90Sr in fish: A review of data and possible model approach

Data on the relationship between the equilibrium concentration factor of 90Sr in fish and concentration of Ca in water have been collected and analyzed. The dataset contains 115 values of the concentration factors at different environmental concentrations of Ca. The data included in the dataset are based primarily on publications in Russian and relate to the whole-body concentration factors. An empirical formula was derived to estimate the equilibrium concentration factor of 90Sr in fish as a inverse relationship of Ca: CF(90Sr, Bq/kg w.w.)=3940/[Ca, mg/l]water. The derived relationship adequately accounts for the equilibrium concentration factor of 90Sr in freshwater and marine fish species. A dynamic model was proposed to calculate the 90Sr bioaccumulation of fish for non-equilibrium situations, for instance, immediately after accidental contamination of water bodies. The model was applied to reconstruct the dynamics of 90Sr in fish from highly contaminated lake in the Southern Ural (Lake Uruskul). A comparison with data of observations showed that the model is well suited for estimating the dynamic characteristics of 90Sr bioaccumulation by fish.