Impact of 90Sr on morphometric indices and metallothioneins level in the soft tissues of Bradybaena fruticum inhabiting the regional radioactive wastes storage facility

The concept of reference animals and plants is the most elaborated approach used for the development of an eco-centric radiation protection strategy. However, the current set of ICRP reference species is not final. To justify the inclusion of new entities into the list of reference animals and plants special research on impact of radiation dose on selected candidates was carried out. The article presents results of study of impact of radiation from 90Sr on morphometrics of shell, its height and diameter and the level of metallothioneins in mollusks Bradybaena fruticum inhabited the regional radioactive wastes storage facility. 90Sr absorbed dose rate to the mollusks was calculated with the use of Monte Carlo method for scenaria of self-irradiation, irradiation from 90Sr accumulated in the soil and the nettle). Reliable radiation-induced change in the shell height and the level of metallothioneins in the soft tissue of the mollusks was observed within the examined dose range. The requirements to the reference species and results of the study allow making supposition that the terrestrial mollusk Bradybaena fruticum may be considered as an alternative entity to be included in the list of reference species, height of its shell and the level of metallothioneins in the soft tissues may be considered as reference indicators.