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Predicting radionuclide transfer to wild animals: an application of a proposed environmental impact assessment framework to the Chernobyl exclusion zone

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Abstract

A number of assessment frameworks have been proposed to provide a mechanism to demonstrate protection of the environment from ionising radiation. Whilst some of these are being used for assessment purposes they have largely not been validated against field measurements. In this paper we compare the predictions of transfer parameters recommended by one of these frameworks (FASSET) with observed whole-body 90Sr and radiocaesium activity concentrations in a range of mammal and invertebrate species sampled within the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Predicted activity concentrations were generally within the observed ranges and mean predictions for reference organisms were similar to, or circa one order of magnitude higher than, the observed means. However, some predictions were more than one order of magnitude lower than observed values. No data were available to test predictions for the other radionuclides released by the Chernobyl accident. In a separate paper the outputs of this assessment will be used to estimate doses to reference organisms and compare these to observed radiation induced effects reported within the Chernobyl zone.

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Notes

  1. Instances when predicted soil activity concentrations were used are noted on the results tables.

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Acknowledgements

This paper presents an update and expansion of initial findings we originally presented in a conference proceedings [31]. This work was supported by the EC-EURATOM 6 Framework Programme (2002–2006) and forms part of the Environmental Risk from Ionising Contaminants: Assessment and Management (ERICA) project, contract FI6R-CT-2003-508847. It utilises outputs from the EC fifth Framework Programme FASSET (FIGE-CT-2000-00102) and EPIC (ICA2-CT-2000-10032) projects. The financial support of the EC is gratefully acknowledged. CEH are grateful for the co-funding from the England and Wales Environment Agency and participation of the Ukrainian authors was facilitated through a UK Royal Society grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK

    Nicholas A. Beresford, Simon M. Wright, Catherine L. Barnett & Brenda J. Howard

  2. School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Jones Building, Liverpool, L69 3GS, UK

    Michael D. Wood

  3. International Radioecology Laboratory, ICC, Post Box 151, Slavutych, Kiev, Ukraine

    Sergey Gaschak & Andrey Arkhipov

  4. SPA “TYPHOON”, 82 Lenin Av., Obnisk, Kaluga Region, 249038, Russia

    Tatiana G. Sazykina

Authors
  1. Nicholas A. Beresford
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  2. Simon M. Wright
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  3. Catherine L. Barnett
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  4. Michael D. Wood
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  5. Sergey Gaschak
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  7. Tatiana G. Sazykina
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  8. Brenda J. Howard
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Correspondence to Nicholas A. Beresford.

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Beresford, N.A., Wright, S.M., Barnett, C.L. et al. Predicting radionuclide transfer to wild animals: an application of a proposed environmental impact assessment framework to the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Radiat Environ Biophys 44, 161–168 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00411-005-0018-z

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