Ecological and toxicological effects of exposure to an acidic, radioactive tailings storage

摘要: The persistence of an island remnant vegetation within a tailings retention system provided opportunity to conduct pilot study develop hypothesis concerning the impacts acid spray and radiation on arid zone flora fauna. Ecological changes were investigated by comparing species abundance condition both remote control areas. Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa), geckos common ant species, Iridomyrmex rufoniger sp. B abundant in regions but absent from region, whereas densities colonising plant Helea beetles scorpions unusually high at impacted site. These disparities are probably attributable site hence potentially useful bioindicators these impacts. Dragon skink populations apparently unaffected polluted ecosystem, although Ctenophorus nuchalis proved be significant bioaccumulator radionuclides. Bioaccumulation radionuclides, 238U, 230Th, 210Pb particularly 210Po significantly greater than that reported elsewhere literature. Further radionuclide monitoring herbivorous dragon possibly concentrating upon levels, was suggested outcome this study.