Distribution of 137Cs in the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in Eastern Black Sea Coast of Turkey

This study presents the results of 137Cs and 40K radionuclide concentrations in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) samples collected during the period of February–November 2014 from twelve different stations within the border of the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. Also, these radionuclide concentrations were determined in sea water and sediment samples. The activity concentrations in seawater, sediment and mussel tissue samples were between 1.12–1.69mBqL−1, 3.26–30.74 and 1.61–3.16Bqkg−1 for 137Cs and 231.41–399.49mBqL−1, 215.71–450.07 and 286.84–382.16Bqkg−1 for 40K, respectively. These values are also in accordance with the concentrations reported for similar regions. Additionally, radiological impact parameters such as daily intake of 137Cs and 40K, annual committed effective dose and carcinogenic risk due to the consumption of mussel were calculated and compared with the international data. Lifetime cancer risk values are lower than the limit of 10−3. •Radionuclide concentrations in seawater, sediment and mussel samples were assessed.•The radiological impact of 137Cs and 4K via ingestion of mussel were calculated.•The lifetime cancer risk values are low for radiological risk.