Assessing radiation impact at a protected coastal sand dune site: An intercomparison of models for estimating the radiological exposure of non-human biota

Wood, Michael D.; Beresford, Nicholas A.; Barnett, Catherine L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9723-7247; Copplestone, David; Leah, Richard T.. 2009 Assessing radiation impact at a protected coastal sand dune site: An intercomparison of models for estimating the radiological exposure of non-human biota. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 100 (12). 1034-1052. 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.04.010

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Abstract/Summary

This paper presents the application of three publicly available biota dose assessment models (the ERICA Tool, R&D128/SP1a and RESRAD-BIOTA) to an assessment of the Drigg coastal sand dunes. Using measured 90Sr, 99Tc, 137Cs, 238Pu, 239þ240Pu and 241Am activity concentrations in sand dune soil, activity concentration and dose rate predictions are made for a range of organisms including amphibians, birds, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles, plants and fungi. Predicted biota activity concentrations are compared to measured data where available. The main source of variability in the model predictions is the transfer parameters used and it is concluded that developing the available transfer databases should be a focus of future research effort. The value of taking an informed user approach to investigate the way in which models may be expected to be applied in practice is highlighted and a strategy for the future development of intercomparison exercises is presented.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.04.010
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 3 - Managing Threats to Environment and Health > BGC - 3.2 - Provide the evidence base for setting Environment Quality Standards ... CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biogeochemistry > BGC Topic 3 - Managing Threats to Environment and Health > BGC - 3.3 - Deliver effective advice, models and applied science ...
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Shore
ISSN:	0265-931X
Additional Keywords:	radioecology
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	28 Jan 2010 11:57 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/8404

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