Estimating the biological half-life for radionuclides in homoeothermic vertebrates: a simplified allometric approach

Beresford, N.A.; Vives i Batlle, J.. 2013 Estimating the biological half-life for radionuclides in homoeothermic vertebrates: a simplified allometric approach. Radiation and Environmental Biophysics, 52 (4). 505-511. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-013-0481-x

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Abstract/Summary

The application of allometric, or mass-dependent, relationships within radioecology has increased with the evolution of models to predict the exposure of organisms other than man. Allometry presents a method of addressing the lack of empirical data on radionuclide transfer and metabolism for the many radionuclide–species combinations which may need to be considered. However, sufficient data across a range of species with different masses are required to establish allometric relationships and this is not always available. Here, an alternative allometric approach to predict the biological half-life of radionuclides in homoeothermic vertebrates which does not require such data is derived. Biological half-life values are predicted for four radionuclides and compared to available data for a range of species. All predictions were within a factor of five of the observed values when the model was parameterised appropriate to the feeding strategy of each species. This is an encouraging level of agreement given that the allometric models are intended to provide broad approximations rather than exact values. However, reasons why some radionuclides deviate from what would be anticipated from Kleiber’s law need to be determined to allow a more complete exploitation of the potential of allometric extrapolation within radioecological models.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-013-0481-x
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 3 - Managing Threats to Environment and Health > BGC - 3.1 - Develop temporally and spatially explicit risk assessment tools ...
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Shore
ISSN:	0301-634X
Additional Keywords:	radioecology, allometry, biological half-life, metabolic rate, radionuclide, environmental assessment
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	30 Jul 2013 14:02 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/502790

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