ABSTRACT Contamination by radioactive elements and their transfer through the trophic chain can have harmful effects on ecosystems and human health, therefore its continuous monitoring is important. The present study aimed to characterize the concentration of radionuclides of natural and anthropogenic origin in marine sediments from three areas in the northwest of Antarctica, Orca Seamount, Admiralty Bay and Mackellar Inlet, in order to evaluate possible risk levels, sources and transportation routes. Measurements were made using a high-resolution Canberra spectrometer and methodological precision and accuracy was assessed by analyzing reference materials certified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), SOIL-6 and Moss SOIL-447. The results... |