Radionuclide Consumption Health Risk Assessment of Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) in Volcanic Lake of Taal, Philippines

Abstract

 The recent eruptions of the Taal volcano in the Philippines have produced more andesitic rocks than prior historic eruptions. Increased rock acidity is associated with higher concentrations of radionuclides. Local food source filter feeders like the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), feed on organic matter through filtration resulting in higher risks of taking in pollutants. The study aimed to assess the health risks through various metrics of radiologic health assessment via food ingestion. Three known harvesting sites were selected around the volcano island in the lake (S: Saluyan, C: Calawit, BM: Binintiang Munti). Two clam morphs: white morph (W) and purple morph (P) were analyzed for naturally occurring radioactive materials using High-purity Germanium gamma-ray spectrometer. Health assessments were analyzed using Committed Effective Dose (CED) and Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) equivalent for a person who consumes one heavy clam meal a week (17.86 g day-1). Overall, CEDs are valued far below the recommended 3×10−1 mSv yr-1, and LCRs are below the recommended 1×10−4 values. It can be concluded that regular consumption of Asian clams in Taal Lake carries no imminent risks in terms of radionuclide ingestion as long as no new more acidic eruption would follow. 

Keywords: Taal Lake, naturally occurring radioactive material, Asian clam, health risk assessment, High Purity Germanium Gamma ray spectrometry