[Genotoxicity and toxicity assay of water sampled from the underground nuclear explosion site in the north of the Perm region (Russia)].

The results of our study revealed a local biologically relevant surface water contamination in the radionuclide anomaly in the north of Russia (Perm region) by means of Allium shoenoprasum L. the anaphase-telophase chromosome aberration assay. This radionuclide anomaly was formed in 1971 as a result of an underground nuclear explosion with soil excavation. Specific activities of main dose-forming radionuclides in all examined reservoirs are below intervention levels officially adopted in Russia for drinking water. We found that 90Sr significantly contribute to induction of cytogenetic disturbances. Our previous and described here data suggest that metal ions and radionuclides combined exposure on the various biota species (with the dose below permissible exposure limits for human) may cause substantial biological effects in part be due to synergic response. The findings described here indicated that development of a new concept of radiation protection for humans and biota should be based on the clear understanding of biological effects of low doses of radiation in chronic exposure to multi-pollutant mixtures.