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Doering C, Carini F, Sato M, Howard BJ, Harbottle AR, Brown J, Twining J, Velasco H. Updated soil to fruit concentration ratios for radiocaesium compiled under the IAEA MODARIA II Programme. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2022; 42:020511. [PMID: 35506679 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac6046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Modelling and Data for Radiological Impact Assessments (MODARIA II) Programme, Working Group 4 activities included collating radionuclide transfer data from Japan following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident and separately collating concentration ratio (CR) data for root uptake of radionuclides by crops grown in tropical and arid climates. In this paper, the newly compiled radiocaesium CR data for fruit from Japan, tropical and arid climates have been combined with the data originally compiled for the IAEA Technical Reports Series No. 472 (TRS 472) and additional data identified from the literature to produce an enhanced MODARIA II dataset of fruit radiocaesium CR values. Statistical analysis of the MODARIA II dataset by climate class (based on the Köppen-Geiger climate classification) indicated that the CR values for tropical climates were significantly higher (p< 0.05) than those for arid, temperate and cold climates. Statistical analysis of the MODARIA II dataset by soil group (based on soil texture) indicated that the CR values for coral sand soil (tropical climates only) and organic soil (temperate climates only) were significantly higher (p< 0.05) than those for the clay, loam and sand soil groups. Statistical analysis of the MODARIA II dataset by plant group (based on plant morphology) indicated that the CR values for non-woody trees (tropical climate bias) were significantly higher (p< 0.05) than those for herbaceous plants, shrubs and woody trees. Comparison of the MODARIA II dataset with original TRS 472 values showed only small changes in the fruit radiocaesium CR values for herbaceous plants and shrubs in temperate climates. There was a decrease in the CR values for woody trees in temperate climate across all soil groups. There was also a decrease in the CR values for tropical climates for all comparable soil groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist, Darwin, Australia
| | - F Carini
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - M Sato
- Faculty of Food and Agriculture, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - B J Howard
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Division of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - J Brown
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Twining
- Austral Radioecology, Sydney, Australia
| | - H Velasco
- GEA-Instituto de Matemática Aplicada San Luis (IMASL), Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas., San Luis, Argentina
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Corcho-Alvarado JA, Guavis C, McGinnity P, Röllin S, Ketedromo T, Sahli H, Levy IN, de Brum K, Stauffer M, Osvath I, Burger M. Assessment of residual radionuclide levels at the Bokak and Bikar Atolls in the northern Marshall Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 801:149541. [PMID: 34418620 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Bikar and Bokak Atolls, located in the northern Marshall Islands, are extremely isolated and consist of pristine marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Both atolls may have experienced significant radioactive deposition following the nuclear weapon testing conducted at Bikini and Enewetak proving grounds. Here we report activity concentrations of artificial radionuclides (239Pu, 240Pu, 241Pu, 241Am, 137Cs and 90Sr) in marine and terrestrial samples collected from Bikar and Bokak Atolls. Artificial radionuclides in soil from the Majuro Atoll are also reported and form a radiological baseline against which the levels at the other atolls can be compared. We observed low levels of artificial radionuclides in soil from Majuro and Bokak, but significantly higher levels in soil from Bikar. The residual radioactivity in the Bikar environment is comparable to the levels previously reported for other nearby atolls, including Taka and Utrik, but lower than for Rongerik, Rongelap, Bikini and Enewetak. An analysis of 240Pu/239Pu isotope ratios and estimations of the dates of contamination from 241Am/241Pu activity ratios both indicated that the Bikar Atoll was contaminated mainly by radioactive fallout from the Castle Bravo test in 1954. We compare the results of our measurements at Bikar and Bokak to data from other atolls in the Marshall Islands and to regions of the world affected by both global and regional fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing and nuclear accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Corcho-Alvarado
- Nuclear Chemistry Division, Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, CH-3700 Spiez, Switzerland.
| | - Candice Guavis
- Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA), Majuro, Marshall Islands
| | - Paul McGinnity
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Environment Laboratories, Monaco
| | - Stefan Röllin
- Nuclear Chemistry Division, Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, CH-3700 Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Tuvuki Ketedromo
- Environmental Protection Authority (RMI EPA), Majuro, Marshall Islands
| | - Hans Sahli
- Nuclear Chemistry Division, Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, CH-3700 Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle N Levy
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Environment Laboratories, Monaco
| | - Kalena de Brum
- Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA), Majuro, Marshall Islands
| | - Marc Stauffer
- Nuclear Chemistry Division, Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, CH-3700 Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Iolanda Osvath
- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Environment Laboratories, Monaco
| | - Mario Burger
- Nuclear Chemistry Division, Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, CH-3700 Spiez, Switzerland
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Rout S, Yadav S, Pulhani V. Transfer of radionuclides from soil to selected tropical plants of Indian Subcontinent: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 235-236:106652. [PMID: 34062381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Soil to plant transfer factor (TF) of radionuclides is an important input parameter in dose assessment models. The wide range of TF for each radionuclide reported in the literature for a particular plant type indicates that radionuclide concentration in soil is not the only factor influencing its uptake by the plant. Different soil properties and agricultural practices may influence the TF and these are also a function of the climate. Considering the wide variation in TF data, here we attempt to review the available literature on TF of radionuclides in tropical countries of the Indian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka). TF under equilibrium conditions are not available for all radionuclides, in such cases TF of naturally existing stable analogs elements were compiled. With an emphasis on, transfer of radionuclides from soil to the edible compartment of the plant; the TF data for 21 elements are compiled for 12 plant groups classified as per IAEA, Technical Reports Series No. 472. The article also presents the analysis and discussion of the extent and limitations of the compiled data. The compiled TF may be useful in assessing the food chain transfer of radionuclides when site-specific information is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Rout
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India.
| | - Sonali Yadav
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Vandana Pulhani
- Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400094, India
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Doering C, Twining J, Rout S, Iurian AR, Howard B. A revised IAEA data compilation for estimating the soil to plant transfer of radionuclides in tropical environments. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 232:106570. [PMID: 33677137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A revision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Report Series No. 472 (TRS 472) transfer parameter data for root uptake of radionuclides by crops in tropical environments was conducted under the IAEA Modelling and Data for Radiological Impact Assessments (MODARIA II) programme (2016-2019). Data on concentration ratios between plant and soil (CRplant-soil) were collated and summarised following a specific data selection process based on the Köppen-Geiger classification of tropical (class A) climates. An overview of the data collation and analysis methods is presented together with a comparison of CRplant-soil values between the revised tropical dataset and TRS 472 datasets. The revised dataset of CRplant-soil values for tropical environments is part of the IAEA MODARIA II programme Technical Document on soil to plant transfer of radionuclides in non-temperate environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist, Australia.
| | | | | | | | - Brenda Howard
- University of Nottingham, United Kingdom; Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, United Kingdom
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Sweeck L, Camps J, Mikailova R, Almahayni T. Role of modelling in monitoring soil and food during different stages of a nuclear emergency. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 225:106444. [PMID: 33120028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In case of a nuclear accident, adequate protection of the public and the environment requires timely assessment of the short- and long-term radiological exposure. Measurements of the radiation dose and the radioactive contamination in the environment are essential for the optimization of radiation protection and the decision making process. In the early phase, however, such measurements are rarely available or sufficient.To compensate for the lack of monitoring data during nuclear emergencies, especially in the early phase of the emergency, mathematical models are frequently used to assess the temporal and spatial distribution of radioactive contamination. During the transition and recovery phase, models are typically used to optimise remediation strategies by assessing the cost-effectiveness of different countermeasures. A prerequisite of course is that these models are fit for purpose. Different models may be needed during different phases of the accident. In this paper, we discuss the role of radioecological models during a nuclear emergency, and give an outlook on the scientific challenges which need to be addressed to further improve our predictions of human and wildlife exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sweeck
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
| | - J Camps
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - R Mikailova
- Russian Institute of Radiology and Agroecology, 249032 Obninsk, Russia
| | - T Almahayni
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
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Partition and Fate of Phthalate Acid Esters (PAEs) in a Full-Scale Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland Treating Polluted River Water. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12030865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
When used as highly produced chemicals and widely used plasticizers, Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) have potential risks to human life and the environment. In this study, to assess the distribution and fate of PAEs, specifically inside a full-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland, four PAEs including dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were investigated. In effluent, PAEs concentration decreased 19.32% (DMP), 19.18% (DEP), 19.40% (DBP), and 48.56% (DEHP), respectively. Within the wetland, PAEs partitioned in water (0.18–1.12 μg/L, 35.38–64.92%), soil (0.44–5.08 μg/g, 1.02–31.33%), plant (0.68–48.6 μg/g, 0.85–36.54%), air and biological transformation (2.72–33.21%). The results indicated that soil and plant adsorption contributed to the majority of PAE removal, digesting DMP (19.32%), DEP (19.18%), DBP (19.40%), and DEHP (48.56%) in constructed wetlands. Moreover, the adsorption was affected by both octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow) and transpiration stream concentration factors (TSCF). This work, for the first time, revealed the partition and fate of PAEs in constructed wetlands to the best of our knowledge.
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Lin W, Yu K, Wang Y, Liu X, Ning Q, Huang X. Radioactive level of coral reefs in the South China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 142:43-53. [PMID: 31232321 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we examined radioactivity simultaneously in surface marine sediments and coral skeletons collected from 12 locations of the fringing and atoll reefs in the South China Sea. Radioactive level declined from the fringing reefs to atoll reefs because of input of terrigenous minerals in the fringing reefs. Radioactivity was higher in coral skeletons than in marine sediments because of the high 228Ra activity in coral skeletons. Additionally, an abnormally low 226Ra/238U activity ratio (<0.1) of marine sediments in coral reefs was attributed to the biological process of active uptake of 226Ra and 238U from seawater by coral polyps rather than the ingrowth process in the 238U-230Th-226Ra decay chain. Several radiological indices were evaluated in coral reefs and significantly lower than recommended values. Particularly, the average Raeq in the atoll reefs was <5% of the world's average of Raeq. Our results displayed typically radioactive status in coral reefs without close-in fallout of anthropogenic radionuclides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuhui Lin
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Kefu Yu
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Xinming Liu
- Guangxi Academy of Oceanography, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Qiuyun Ning
- Guangxi Academy of Oceanography, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Xueyong Huang
- Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Nanning 530004, China
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8
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Characterization of radiation dose and soil-to-plant transfer factor of natural radionuclides in some cities from south-western Nigeria and its effect on man. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Karunakara N, Rao C, Ujwal P, Yashodhara I, Kumara S, Ravi PM. Soil to rice transfer factors for (226)Ra, (228)Ra, (210)Pb, (40)K and (137)Cs: a study on rice grown in India. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2013; 118:80-92. [PMID: 23266913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2011] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
India is the second largest producer of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the world and rice is an essential component of the diet for a majority of the population in India. However, detailed studies aimed at the evaluation of radionuclide transfer factors (F(v)) for the rice grown in India are almost non-existent. This paper presents the soil to rice transfer factors for natural ((226)Ra, (228)Ra, (40)K, and (210)Pb) and artificial ((137)Cs) radionuclides for rice grown in natural field conditions on the West Coast of India. A rice field was developed very close to the Kaiga nuclear power plant and the water required for this field was drawn from the cooling water discharge canal of the power plant. For a comparative study of the radionuclide transfer factors, rice samples were also collected from the rice fields of nearby villages. The study showed that the (226)Ra and (228)Ra activity concentrations were below detection levels in different organs of the rice plant. The soil to un-hulled rice grain (40)K transfer factor varied in the range of 6.5 × 10(-1) to 2.9 with a mean of 0.15 × 10(1), and of (210)Pb varied in the range of <1.2 × 10(-2) to 8.1 × 10(-1) with a mean of 1.4 × 10(-1), and of (137)Cs varied in the range of 6.6 × 10(-2) to 3.4 × 10(-1) with a mean of 2.1 × 10(-1). The mean values of un-hulled grain to white rice processing retention factors (F(r)) were 0.12 for (40)K, 0.03 for (210)Pb, and 0.14 for (137)Cs. Using these processing retention factors, the soil to white rice transfer factors were estimated and these were found to have mean values of 1.8 × 10(-1), 4.2 × 10(-3), and 3.0 × 10(-2) for (40)K, (210)Pb, and (137)Cs, respectively. The study has shown that the transfer of (40)K was higher for above the ground organs than for the root, but (210)Pb and (137)Cs were retained in the root and their transfer to above the ground organs of the rice plant is significantly lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Karunakara
- University Science Instrumentation Centre, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, Mangalore, Karnataka 574199, India.
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Tarsitano D, Young SD, Crout NMJ. Evaluating and reducing a model of radiocaesium soil-plant uptake. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2011; 102:262-269. [PMID: 21232833 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2010.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
An existing model of radiocaesium transfer to grasses was extended to include wheat and barley and parameterised using data from a wide range of soils and contact times. The model structure was revised and evaluated using a subset of the available data which was not used for model parameterisation. The resulting model was then used as a basis for systematic model reduction to test the utility of the model components. This analysis suggested that the use of 4 model variables (relating to radiocaesium adsorption on organic matter and the pH sensitivity of soil solution potassium concentration) and 1 model input (pH) are not required. The results of this analysis were used to develop a reduced model which was further evaluated in terms of comparisons to observations. The reduced model had an improved empirical performance and fewer adjustable parameters and soil characteristic inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tarsitano
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG72RD, UK
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Simon SL, Bouville A, Melo D, Beck HL, Weinstock RM. Acute and chronic intakes of fallout radionuclides by Marshallese from nuclear weapons testing at Bikini and Enewetak and related internal radiation doses. HEALTH PHYSICS 2010; 99:157-200. [PMID: 20622550 PMCID: PMC4049088 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0b013e3181dc4e51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Annual internal radiation doses resulting from both acute and chronic intakes of all important dose-contributing radionuclides occurring in fallout from nuclear weapons testing at Bikini and Enewetak from 1946 through 1958 have been estimated for the residents living on all atolls and separate reef islands of the Marshall Islands. Internal radiation absorbed doses to the tissues most at risk to cancer induction (red bone marrow, thyroid, stomach, and colon) have been estimated for representative persons of all population communities for all birth years from 1929 through 1968, and for all years of exposure from 1948 through 1970. The acute intake estimates rely on a model using, as its basis, historical urine bioassay data, for members of the Rongelap Island and Ailinginae communities as well as for Rongerik residents. The model also utilizes fallout times of arrival and radionuclide deposition densities estimated for all tests and all atolls. Acute intakes of 63 radionuclides were estimated for the populations of the 20 inhabited atolls and for the communities that were relocated during the testing years for reasons of safety and decontamination. The model used for chronic intake estimates is based on reported whole-body, urine, and blood counting data for residents of Utrik and Rongelap. Dose conversion coefficients relating intake to organ absorbed dose were developed using internationally accepted models but specifically tailored for intakes of particulate fallout by consideration of literature-based evidence to choose the most appropriate alimentary tract absorption fraction (f1) values. Dose estimates were much higher for the thyroid gland than for red marrow, stomach wall, or colon. The highest thyroid doses to adults were about 7,600 mGy for the people exposed on Rongelap; thyroid doses to adults were much lower, by a factor of 100 or more, for the people exposed on the populated atolls of Kwajalein and Majuro. The estimates of radionuclide intake and internal radiation dose to the Marshallese that are presented in this paper are the most complete available anywhere and were used to make projections of lifetime cancer risks to the exposed populations, which are presented in a companion paper in this volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Simon
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 6120 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Ibrahim SA, Simon SL, Bouville A, Melo D, Beck HL. Alimentary tract absorption (f1 values) for radionuclides in local and regional fallout from nuclear tests. HEALTH PHYSICS 2010; 99:233-51. [PMID: 20622554 PMCID: PMC2913585 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0b013e3181b186ff] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents gastrointestinal absorption fractions (f1 values) for estimating internal doses from local and regional fallout radionuclides due to nuclear tests. The choice of f1 values are based on specific circumstances of weapons test conditions and a review of reported f1 values for elements in different physical and chemical states. Special attention is given to fallout from nuclear tests conducted at the Marshall Islands. We make a distinction between the f1 values for intakes of radioactive materials immediately after deposition (acute intakes) and intakes that occur in the course of months and years after deposition, following incorporation into terrestrial and aquatic foodstuffs (chronic intakes). Multiple f1 values for different circumstances where persons are exposed to radioactive fallout (e.g., local vs. regional fallout and coral vs. continental tests) are presented when supportive information is available. In some cases, our selected f1 values are similar to those adopted by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) (e.g., iodine and most actinides). However, f1 values for cesium and strontium derived from urine bioassay data of the Marshallese population are notably lower than the generic f1 values recommended by ICRP, particularly for acute intakes from local fallout (0.4 and 0.05 for Cs and Sr, respectively). The f1 values presented here form the first complete set of values relevant to realistic dose assessments for exposure to local or regional radioactive fallout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawki A Ibrahim
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Chao J, Chiu C, Lee H. Distribution and uptake of 137Cs in relation to alkali metals in a perhumid montane forest ecosystem. Appl Radiat Isot 2008; 66:1287-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2008.02.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2007] [Revised: 12/18/2007] [Accepted: 02/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Krstić D, Stevanović N, Milivojević J, Nikezić D. Determination of the soil-to-grass transfer of 137Cs and its relation to several soil properties at various locations in Serbia. ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2007; 43:65-73. [PMID: 17454274 DOI: 10.1080/10256010601154171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Transfer coefficients of (137)Cs from soil to grass were determined for the terrain around the city of Kragujevac in central Serbia. Mass activity concentrations of (137)Cs in soil and grass samples were determined with a high-purity Ge-detector (HPGe). The activity concentration at the depth of 20 cm was found to be in the range of 14.92-124.05 Bq kg(-1), whereas the activity in grass for the same location was in the range of 4.60-84.95 Bq kg(-1). Transfer factors (TFs) were in the range of 0.07 up to 1.94. Dependences of TFs on different soil characteristics were presented graphically. Weak dependences were determined between them. Absalom's model was used to predict TFs based on soil characteristics: pH value, contents of clay, exchangeable potassium and humus. A comparison of measured and predicted values from Absalom's model is shown graphically. It has been found that Absalom's model might be carefully used for the prediction of (137)Cs in grass for specific regions.
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Carvalho C, Anjos RM, Mosquera B, Macario K, Veiga R. Radiocesium contamination behavior and its effect on potassium absorption in tropical or subtropical plants. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2006; 86:241-50. [PMID: 16253405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2005] [Revised: 09/07/2005] [Accepted: 09/07/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation and long-term decline of radiocesium contamination in tropical plant species was studied through measurements of gamma-ray spectra from pomegranate (Punica granatum) and chili pepper (Capsicum fructescens) trees. The plants were originally grown at a (137)Cs contaminated site (where a radiological accident occurred in the city of Goiânia, Brazil, in 1987), and transplanted to uncontaminated soil, so that the main source of contamination of the new leaves and fruits would be the fraction of the available radiocesium in the body of the plants. Measurements of (137)Cs and (40)K concentrations along the roots, main trunk, twigs, leaves and fruits before and after the transplant process of both plant species indicated a direct competition between Cs and K ions, suggesting that these elements could have a common accumulation mechanism. Cesium transfer factors from soil to pomegranate, green and red chili pepper fruits were evaluated as 0.4 +/- 0.1, 0.06 +/- 0.01 and 0.05 +/- 0.01, respectively. Biological half-life values due to (137)Cs translocation from the tree reservoir (BHL(T)) were calculated as 0.30 years for pomegranate, 0.12 years and 0.07 years for red and green peppers, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Carvalho
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Litorânea s/n, Gragoatá, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Cep 24210-340, Brazil
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18
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Abstract
In order to study the transfer of water-borne 137Cs and 90Sr into rice plants, pot experiments were done by growing rice plants on soils taken from rice beds near two nuclear power plants: Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant and Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant in China. The vertical migration of 137Cs and 90Sr in the soil samples was studied, and results show that almost all the contaminants were retained in the top 1 cm of soil with at most a few percent down to 3 cm of soil. The areal transfer factors of 137Cs and 90Sr were studied by adding various activity concentrations of the two radionuclides to the irrigation water and then measuring the activity concentration in the various rice tissues. The areal transfer factors were also analyzed for their dependence on soil characteristics, time and duration of the contamination. The areal transfer factors obtained in this study refer to the absorption of the fallout nuclides deposited in the irrigation water in a rice field as opposed to other studies that deal with uniform activity concentration in the soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K C Leung
- Department of Physics, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
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