Beryllium Uptake by the Common Guppy using Radioisotope 7Be. I. Preliminary Study: Tracer Mechanics and Procedures
Abstract
The mechanics and several variables concerning the use of radioactive beryllium, Be-7, and the possible interaction between beryllium solutions and glass were studied prior to the application of the isotope as a monitor of beryllium toxicity in guppies. Radioactivity was measured in a scintillation counter incorporating a sodium iodide well detector. Tracer activity or efficiency was evaluated under various conditions (e.g., isotope concentration, storage in glass over time, and counting geometry relative to sample size and position in detector). Tracer activity was proportional to tracer concentration and unaltered in a glass container for a period up to 8 days. Under the conditions of this study, beryllium was not lost from BeSO4 solutions in glass bioassay jars due to adsorption onto the glass or evaporation. Counting efficiency was relatively independent of sample size or position within well detector, so that water samples and exposed fish can be treated alike relative to the detector geometry. A procedure was outlined for estimating beryllium uptake in fish exposed to aqueous beryllium solutions to which tracer has been added.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0758814
Entities
People
- Arnold R. Slonim
- Frederick C. Dann
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory