Effect of Irradiation on Microorganisms in a Nuclear Reactor |
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Authors: | Akira Matsuyama Yoshishige Okazawa Mitsuo Namiki |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Tokyo;2. The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, Tokyo |
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Abstract: | The effects of irradiation in the JRR-1 (Japan Research Reactor No. 1, a homogeneous light water nuclear reactor; max. power, 50 KW) on microorganisms such as bacterial and fungal spores and yeast cells were investigated in comparison with those of 60Co gamma radiation. As far as the lethal effect was concerned the dose rate of radiation in the experimental hole No. 16 of the JRR-1 was equivalent to 3.0×l06~3.4×l06 r/hr with 60Co gamma radiation, and a ratio of the neutron effect to the gamma radiation effect on microorganisms in this hole was estimated to be approximately 3~5.4. The results different from those with gamma radiation were obtained in experiments such as post-NaCl treatment and spore germination. The considerable contribution of fast neutrons to the total biological effect of neutrons, in comparison with the thermal neutron effect, could be presumed from the microbiological experiments with the help of physical and chemical data. Morphological changes in post-irradiation growth were observed by means of phase contrast microscopy. No specific aftereffect was found. |
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