Recent developments in the modelling of radionuclide uptake, radiation dose and effects in wildlife

Johansen, M.P.; Beresford, N.A.; Howard, B.J.; Hinton, T.G.; Bolhoefer, A.; Doering, C.; Hirth, G.; Grzechnik, M.; Ruedig, E.; Payne, T.E.; Twining, J.R.. 2014 Recent developments in the modelling of radionuclide uptake, radiation dose and effects in wildlife. [Lecture] In: 13th South Pacific Environmental Radioactivity Association Conference (SPERA 2014), Darwin, Australia, 1-5 Sept 2014. (Unpublished)

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Abstract/Summary

Of the ~600 scientific publications on the Fukushima event, more than 80% relate to themes of transport of radionuclides in environmental media, transfer to wildlife and foodstuffs, and dose to environmental receptors. This focus reflects a continued need for development and harmonisation of radiological modelling approaches such as has been underway through recent IAEA and ICRP initiatives (e.g. EMRAS I and II, MODARIA). Key developments in improving the understanding of uptake of radionuclides in wildlife include establishing the Wildlife Transfer Parameter Database and related IAEA handbook on transfer to wildlife. These sources provide access to a comprehensive collection of transfer parameters, including input from Australian sources (www.wildlifetransferdatabase.org). Key improvements were highlighted in a recent Journal of Environmental Radioactivity special issue (Vol. 121). Dose modelling for wildlife continues to be challenged by the high diversity of biotic types (plankton to whales) and the breadth of exposure scenarios in diverse ecosystems. Modelling codes (e.g. ERICA Tool, RESRAD-Biota) are undergoing updates of their transfer parameters, improvement of capabilities such as probabilistic analysis (e.g. Monte Carlo), and harmonization of approaches through IAEA model testing exercises (e.g., Little Forest Burial Ground biota dose modelling assessment). A recent development has been the use of voxel dosimetry approaches which build on the standard simplified ellipsoid approach by modelling the absorbed doses in individual organs. Recent improvements in defining dose effects to environmental receptors have focused on updating the FREDERICA Radiation Effects Database. The more comprehensive data have allowed for the updating/development of new Species Sensitivity Distributions that better support the benchmark values for potential dose effects, and for improving estimation of population effects (rather than individuals) upon which the environmental protection strategies are based.

Item Type:	Publication - Conference Item (Lecture)
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Shore
Additional Keywords:	radioecology
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Related URLs:	Organisation
Date made live:	29 Oct 2014 11:58 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/508700

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