Radionuclide Contamination as a Risk Factor in Terrestrial Ecosystems

Download or read book Radionuclide Contamination as a Risk Factor in Terrestrial Ecosystems written by Peter Ostoich and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Radionuclide contamination poses serious hazards for terrestrial ecosystems. Beyond the readily apparent damage to the biota at high doses, low doses of ionizing radiation produce stochastic effects: mutation, carcinogenesis, and genomic instability. The proposed chapter is a review of the biological and ecological effects of radionuclides. The authors discuss, beyond the Chernobyl accident, other contamination events. The review includes the biological and ecological effects of the three principal technogenic contaminants in terrestrial ecosystems: Cs-137, Sr-90, and I-131. Ecological risks to terrestrial small mammals are assessed in detail. In addition, the chapter provides some of the lesser-known methods of remediation and detoxification, including the use of modified natural zeolites as environmental remedies and bio-sorbents. Presented herein is little-known information on environmental protection against radioactive contamination.