Correlation of phytoplankton satellite observations and radiological doses in molluscs

In this work data of salinity, temperature, suspended particulate matter (SPM), chlorophyll-a, and phytoplankton concentration in the Gibraltar Strait coast, in the confluence of the Mediterranean Sean and the Atlantic Ocean, were analyzed together with 210Po, 40K, 210Pb and 234Th activity concentration in different types of bivalve molluscs at the same time-period. The physicochemical parameters were evaluated using the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS) products based on satellite observations. A multivariate statistical analysis, including contrasted natural radioactivity contents, allowed the discrimination of bivalve molluscs from Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Additionally, a cluster analysis determined a highly significant negative correlation 210Po concentration in molluscs and phytoplankton concentration suggesting that phytoplankton concentration in the water column is a determinant factor to regulate 210Po concentration in those animals. These results introduce a useful tool to calculate the radiological doses in seafood from chlorophyll satellite image. •First time that physicochemical parameters based on satellite observations were analyzed with activity concentration.•A significant negative correlation was shown between 210Po concentration in molluscs and phytoplankton concentration.•A multivariate statistical analysis allowed the discrimination of bivalve molluscs from Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.•Radiological doses in seafood were obtained through chlorophyll satellite image.