Occurrence of Elysia grandifolia (Mollusca, Gastropoda), and its radionuclide content from Tarapur coastal waters, west coast of India

Abstract

Occurrence, morphological-features, feeding habits, metal and radionuclide content of an opisthobranch sacoglossan Elysia grandifolia Kelaart have been reported. Mn was highest in E. grandifolia whereas Zn was most abundant in eggs. Radionuclide I-131 was most abundant in tissues 1.4 Bq.g-1 dry weight and in eggs 0.8 Bq.g-1 dry weight. Radionuclide Co-60 in eggs was, 1.0 Bq.g-1 dry weight and in tissues, 0.08 Bq.g-1 dry weight. Possibility of using the species and eggs as indicators for I-131 and Co-60 radionuclides in the marine environment is discussed.