Prototype dynamic tool for the assessment of radiological exposure to non-human biota in a coastal heath dune ecosystem

Abstract

The objective of this work has been a proof-of-concept dynamic assessment model for a terrestrial environment based on simple, relatively well known parameters. The model has been developed to reproduce trends of 137Cs in a coastal heath dune ecosystem. This study has provided a useful tool for further research in radioecology as it can be further developed to include more radionuclides and calibrated to different ecosystems. Model output has shown that the approach developed here for simulating radionuclide turnover by biota can reproduce realistic trends of 137Cs in a semi-natural environment. The model includes the capability of calculating the dose to vegetation from externally deposited radionuclides. This is a novel calculation that allows a more complete assessment of the risk to flora from radionuclides in the environment caused by anthropogenic activities. The key aspects of the dynamic modelling approach are the calculation of an uptake rate by biota calculated as a function of relatively well known parameters available in the scientific literature: the Concentration Ratio, biological half-life, and mass values for the organism and soil.