The Biological Accumulation of Radionuclides by Nuclear Accidents in Aquatic Ecosystems

Nuclear energy is classified as semi-clean and non-renewable energy. Different amounts of radiation could be exposure to the environment by the nuclear energy production cycle, disposal of radioactive waste, nuclear weapons tests and unplanned incidents at nuclear facilities, that affect it. The study, based on library research method, has surveyed the biological accumulation of radionuclides by nuclear accidents in aquatic ecosystems. In contaminated water bodies, radio-nuclides are quickly redistributed and accumulated in such components as bottom sediments, benthos, aquatic plants, and fish. The kinetics of the overall system will determine the temporally-varying and steady-state distribution of radio-nuclides within any given ecosystem. Depending on the species, aquatic primary producers can be free-floating or rooted, absorbing contaminants from the water and/or the sediments. Contaminants can then be accumulated by herbivorous and omnivorous animals that consume aquatic primary producers. This is of a particular concern from the viewpoint of radiation exposure of aquatic organisms and humans connected by food-chains within the aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, the recognition of natural ecosystem functions and the transmission pathways of radio-nuclides released in nature properly is a fundamental step in the preparation and implementation of plans for nuclear power plant emergencies.