A laboratory study of Zn and 134Cs depuration by the sea snail (Rapana venosa)

The depuration kinetics of 65Zn and 134Cs by the sea snail Rapana venosa after contamination through the water pathway have been studied in controlled laboratory conditions. The depuration rates are estimated in terms of biological half-lives. The pattern of depuration is represented by a single component for each radiotracer. The biological half-lives of 65Zn and 134Cs are estimated to be 66 and 75 days, respectively. The distribution between soft tissues and shell suggests that zinc and caesium exhibit a metabolic-type behavior. This work supports the view that the use of the sea snail for metal or radionuclide monitoring would be a valuable tool, especially in the Black Sea.