IngentaConnect Environmental effects of radionuclides

Authors: Copplestone D.¹; Toal M.E.¹; Johnson M.S.¹; Jackson D.²; Jones S.R.²

Source: Journal of Radiological Protection, Volume 20, Number 1, 2000 , pp. 29-40(12)

Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing

Abstract:

To better quantify risk to non-human species from exposure to environmental radioactivity, understanding of the behaviour of radionuclides in the biosphere needs to be increased. This study outlines current thinking on ecological risk assessment (ERA) methodology and applies the indicator species or critical groups approach to biota inhabiting a semi-natural coniferous woodland contaminated with the radionuclides ¹³⁷Cs, ²³⁸Pu, ^239+240Pu and ²⁴¹Am. The majority of these radionuclides originate from routine aerial emissions from the nuclear fuel reprocessing plant at BNFL, Sellafield, Cumbria, UK. Radionuclide activity concentrations have been determined in biota from the woodland and estimates of absorbed dose rates (mGy d^-1) have been calculated using the dosimetric models outlined.

Dose rates to the key indicator species, Oniscus asellus, Carabus violaceousand Apodemus sylvaticus(detritivorous invertebrate, predatory invertebrate and the granivorous wood mouse) have been determined at 3.0 ? 10^-3mGy d^-1, 2.2 ? 10^-3mGy d^-1and 1.0 ? 10^-3mGy d^-1respectively. The values are at least three orders of magnitude lower than the 1 mGy d^-1level below which no observable effects on populations in a terrestrial ecosystem are thought to occur. Limitations of this approach are discussed.

Language: English

Document Type: Miscellaneous

Affiliations: 1: Industrial Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK 2: Westlakes Scientific Consulting, Princess Royal Building, Westlakes Science and Technology Park, Moor Row, Cumbria CA24 3LN, UK

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Environmental effects of radionuclides - observations on natural ecosystems