| Summary: | The bioaccumulation ability of radionuclides <sup>51</sup>Cr, <sup>54</sup>Mn, <sup>57</sup>Co, <sup>60</sup>Co, <sup>65Z</sup>n, <sup>85</sup>Sr, <sup>109</sup>Cd, <sup>110</sup>mAg, <sup>113</sup>Sn, <sup>137Cs and <sup>241</sup>Am in two red algae species from the southern Baltic Sea - <i>Polysiphonia fucoides</i> and <i>Furcellaria lumbricalis</i> - was determined under laboratory conditions. <i>P. fucoides</i> demonstrated better bioaccumulative properties towards most of the investigated radionuclides. As a result, <i>P. fucoides</i> can be recommended as a good bioindicator of radioactive environmental pollution. The bioaccumulation of radionuclides in <i>F. lumbricalis</i> was studied during an extended laboratory experiment. The initial extensive uptake of radioisotopes was followed by the rapid removal of cations; in general, concentrations tended to decrease with time. <sup>137</sup>Cs displayed a different behaviour, its concentration in the algae increasing over time mainly due to its large ion radius; this is a factor that could be responsible for the stronger mechanical and chemical bonding of Cs<sup>+</sup> and that could hamper the movement of ions in both directions.
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