A method for estimating 41Ar, 85, 88Kr and 131m, 133Xe doses to non-human biota. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vives i Batlle, J.; Jones, S.R.; Copplestone, D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental radioactivity. Volume 144(2015:Jun.)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Argon -- Krypton -- Xenon -- Noble gases -- Non-human biota -- Dose; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radiation, Background -- Periodicals; Radioecology -- Periodicals; Radioactive pollution -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactive Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radioécologie -- Périodiques; Pollution radioactive -- Périodiques; Fond de rayonnement -- Périodiques; 539.752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.03.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-931X

Abstract

Abstract: A method is presented for estimating 41 Ar, 85, 88 Kr and 131m, 133 Xe dose rates to terrestrial wildlife without having to resort to comparisons with analogue radionuclides. The approach can be used to calculate the dose rates arising from external exposures to given ambient air concentrations of these isotopes. Dose conversion coefficient (DCC) values for a range of representative organisms are calculated, using a Monte Carlo approach to generate absorbed fractions based on representing animals as reference ellipsoid geometries. Plume immersion is the main component of the total DCC. DCC values calculated for a human-sized organism are compared with human dose conversion factors from ICRP Publication 119, demonstrating the consistency of the biota approach with that for humans. An example of application is provided for hypothetical nuclear power plant atmospheric discharges with associated exposures to birds and insects. In this example, the dose rates appear to be dominated by 133 Xe and 88 Kr, respectively. The biota considered would be protected from the effects of noble gas radiation from a population protection perspective. Highlights: Approach to assess radiation doses of 41 Ar, 85, 88 Kr and 131m, 133 Xe in terrestrial wildlife. Demonstration that 85 Kr is not a good an isotopic analogue for 88 Kr, 131m Xe and 133 Xe. The new method is consistent with standard methodology for human dose assessments. Trial assessment for a typical nuclear power plant with exposures to birds and insects. From an ecosystem perspective, biota populations are generally protected.