Assimilation of Beta Radiation by Freshwater Fish, Essay Example

The object of this process paper analysis is to describe in full detail how to determine what amounts of beta and gamma radiation will be assimilated to various organs of fish (particularly Perca P. Flavescens) after exposure to P32. The view audience for the purpose of this paper are first year Biology students who have no particular prior research exposure in this subject other than basic biology skills of lecture.

Particularly five fish (species Perca P. Flavescens) aka Perch were taken from the Mississippi River region area in Lutcher, Louisiana. A 20 gallon tank was filled with fresh H2O from the river and the fish were entered into the tank. Exactly 10 ul (P32) Phosphorus 32 beta radiation was added to the H20 and fish were allowed to assimilate the radiation for a total of 48 hours. After the assimilation process, exactly 1000 ml of Chloroform was added to the fresh water tank in order to cause respiratory asphyxiation.  Fish were rinsed with de-ionized water and allowed to dry to remove chloroform from outer body layer and then dissected.

Upon dissection, the heart, liver, lungs, intestines, gills, stomach and muscles of the fish were carefully removed and each weighed on a triple beam balance laboratory scale and result recorded. Next, each organ listed from each of the five fish was tested for beta radiation on a scintillation counter (table top version).  Results were recorded.

In order to calculate the results the scintillation count was recorded as well as the weight of the individual organs.  Calculation was as follows:

Micro litres (ul) / weight multiplied by 100 = % recovered from organ

Total of five fish with each organ X 5/5 = organ count average PPM (parts per million)

Example: Fish 1 heart .39/.05X100= 780 ppm

Same done for (fish 2-5 heart) All added together / 5= average heart PPM.

Same calculation for each individual organ

Average results displayed that the liver and heart assimilated the most of the P32 beta radiation with the average PPM yielding 2,532.

Average results displayed that the muscle assimilated the least of the P32 beat radiation with the average PPM yielding 532 PPM.

In conclusion, research shows that the radiation was delivered straight to the blood stream of the fish and circulated through the heart and to the liver. Further, the muscle of the fish is safe to consume from the rivers of the St. James Parish, Louisiana area, particularly downstream of the Mississippi River area. Further studies can be conducted with gamma radiation such as I 131 (Iodine 131) to compare the results.