Abstract

A study was undertaken to determine activity concentrations for 134Caesium, 137Caesium and 210Polonium in New Zealand seafood, and establish if activity concentrations varied with respect to species/ecological niche and coastal region. Thirty seafood samples were obtained from six fishing regions of New Zealand along with a further six samples of two commercially important species (hoki and arrow squid) with well-defined fisheries. 134Caesium was not detected in any sample. 137Caesium was detected in 47% of samples, predominantly in pelagic fish species, with most activities at a trace level. Detections of 137Caesium were evenly distributed across all regions. Activity concentrations were consistent with those expected from the oceanic inventory representing residual fallout from global nuclear testing. 210Polonium was detected above the minimum detectable concentration in 33 (92%) of the analysed samples. Molluscs displayed significantly elevated activity concentrations relative to all other species groups. No significant regional variation in activity concentrations were determined. Two dose assessment models for high seafood consumers were undertaken. Dose contribution from 137Caesium was minimal and far below the dose exemption limit of 1 mSv/year. Exposure to 210Polonium was significant in high seafood consumers at 0.44–0.77 mSv/year (5th–95th percentile). 137Caesium is concluded to be a valuable sentinel radionuclide for monitoring anthropogenic releases, such as global fallout and reactor releases, in the marine environment. 210Polonium is of importance as a natural radionuclide sentinel due to its high contribution to dietary committed dose in seafood consumers.

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