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MacIntosh A, Koppel DJ, Johansen MP, Beresford NA, Copplestone D, Penrose B, Cresswell T. Radiological risk assessment to marine biota from exposure to NORM from a decommissioned offshore oil and gas pipeline. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 251-252:106979. [PMID: 35963215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Scale residues can accumulate on the interior surfaces of subsea petroleum pipes and may incorporate naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The persistent nature of 'NORM scale' may result in a radiological dose to the organisms living on or near intact pipelines. Following a scenario of in-situ decommissioning of a subsea pipeline, marine organisms occupying the exteriors or interiors of petroleum structures may have close contact with the scale or other NORM-associated contaminated substances and suffer subsequent radiological effects. This case study used radiological dose modelling software, including the ERICA Tool (v2.0), MicroShield® Pro and mathematical equations, to estimate the likely radiological doses and risks of effects from NORM-contaminated scale to marine biota from a decommissioned offshore oil and gas pipeline. Using activity concentrations of NORM (226Ra, 210Po, 210Pb, 228Ra, 228Th) from a subsea pipeline from Australia, environmental realistic exposure scenarios including radiological exposures from both an intact pipe (external only; accounting for radiation shielding by a cylindrical carbon steel pipe) and a decommissioned pipeline with corrosive breakthrough (resulting in both internal and external radiological exposure) were simulated to estimate doses to model marine organisms. Predicted dose rates for both the external only exposure (ranging from 26 μGy/h to 33 μGy/h) and a corroded pipeline (ranging from 300 μGy/h to 16,000 μGy/h) exceeded screening levels for radiological doses to environmental receptors. The study highlighted the importance of using scale-specific solubility data (i.e., Kd) values for individual NORM radionuclides for ERICA assessments. This study provides an approach for conducting marine organism dose assessments for NORM-contaminated subsea pipelines and highlights scientific gaps required to undertake risk assessments necessary to inform infrastructure decommissioning planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy MacIntosh
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Darren J Koppel
- Curtin University Oil and Gas Innovation Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | | | - David Copplestone
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Beth Penrose
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tom Cresswell
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
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2
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Beresford NA, Beaugelin-Seiller K, Barnett CL, Brown J, Doering C, Caffrey E, Johansen MP, Melintescu A, Ruedig E, Vandenhove H, Vives I Batlle J, Wood MD, Yankovich TL, Copplestone D. Ensuring robust radiological risk assessment for wildlife: insights from the International Atomic Energy Agency EMRAS and MODARIA programmes. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2022; 42:020512. [PMID: 35502472 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac6043] [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
In response to changing international recommendations and national requirements, a number of assessment approaches, and associated tools and models, have been developed over the last circa 20 years to assess radiological risk to wildlife. In this paper, we summarise international intercomparison exercises and scenario applications of available radiological assessment models for wildlife to aid future model users and those such as regulators who interpret assessments. Through our studies, we have assessed the fitness for purpose of various models and tools, identified the major sources of uncertainty and made recommendations on how the models and tools can best be applied to suit the purposes of an assessment. We conclude that the commonly used tiered or graded assessment tools are generally fit for purpose for conducting screening-level assessments of radiological impacts to wildlife. Radiological protection of the environment (or wildlife) is still a relatively new development within the overall system of radiation protection and environmental assessment approaches are continuing to develop. Given that some new/developing approaches differ considerably from the more established models/tools and there is an increasing international interest in developing approaches that support the effective regulation of multiple stressors (including radiation), we recommend the continuation of coordinated international programmes for model development, intercomparison and scenario testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Beresford
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United Kingdom
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - K Beaugelin-Seiller
- Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, PSE/ENV/SRTE, Centre de Cadarache, Saint-Pual-Les-Durance, BP3 13115, France
| | - C L Barnett
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United Kingdom
| | - J Brown
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), PO Box 55, No-1332 Østerås, Norway
| | - C Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - E Caffrey
- Radian Scientific, LLC, Huntsville, AL, United States of America
| | - M P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia
| | - A Melintescu
- 'Horia Hulubei' National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului St., POB MG-6, Magurele, Bucharest, RO-077125, Romania
| | - E Ruedig
- BHP, 201 CW Santa Fe Av., Grants, NM 87404, United States of America
| | - H Vandenhove
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - J Vives I Batlle
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - M D Wood
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - T L Yankovich
- International Atomic Energy Agency, Assessment and Management of Environmental Releases Unit, PO Box 100, Vienna, 1400, Austria
| | - D Copplestone
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, United Kingdom
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3
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Koppel DJ, Kho F, Hastings A, Crouch D, MacIntosh A, Cresswell T, Higgins S. Current understanding and research needs for ecological risk assessments of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in subsea oil and gas pipelines. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 241:106774. [PMID: 34823203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Thousands of offshore oil and gas facilities are coming to the end of their life in jurisdictions worldwide and will require decommissioning. In-situ decommissioning, where the subsea components of that infrastructure are left in the marine environment following the end of its productive life, has been proposed as an option that delivers net benefits, including from: ecological benefits from the establishment of artificial reefs, economic benefits from associated fisheries, reduced costs and improved human safety outcomes for operators. However, potential negative impacts, such as the ecological risk of residual contaminants, are not well understood. Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) are a class of contaminants found in some oil and gas infrastructure (e.g. pipelines) and includes radionuclides of uranium, thorium, radium, radon, lead, and polonium. NORM are ubiquitous in oil and gas reservoirs around the world and may form contamination products including scales and sludges in subsea infrastructure due to their chemistries and the physical processes of oil and gas extraction. The risk that NORM from these sources pose to marine ecosystems is not yet understood meaning that decisions made about decommissioning may not deliver the best outcomes for environments. In this review, we consider the life of NORM-contamination products in oil and gas systems, their expected exposure pathways in the marine environment, and possible ecological impacts following release. These are accompanied by the key research priorities that need to better describe risk associated with decommissioning options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren J Koppel
- Curtin University Oil and Gas Innovation Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia; CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Fenny Kho
- Curtin University Oil and Gas Innovation Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia; Curtin Corrosion Center, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Dean Crouch
- Curtin University Oil and Gas Innovation Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Amy MacIntosh
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tom Cresswell
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart Higgins
- Curtin University Oil and Gas Innovation Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Majlesi S, Akkanen J, Roivainen P, Tuovinen TS, Sorvari J, Naarala J, Juutilainen J. Transfer of elements relevant to radioactive waste into chironomids and fish in boreal freshwater bodies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 791:148218. [PMID: 34119794 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Information on transfer of elements and their radionuclides is essential for radioecological modeling. In the present study, we investigated the transfer of Cl, Co, Mo, Ni, Se, Sr, U and Zn in a boreal freshwater food chain. These elements were selected on the basis that they have important radionuclides that might be released into the biosphere from various stages of the nuclear fuel cycle. Water, sediment, chironomid larvae (Chironomus sp.), roach (Rutilus rutilus) and perch (Perca fluviatilis) were sampled from two ponds near a former uranium mine and one reference pond located further away from the mining area. Concentrations measured in water, sediment and the three animal species indicated the importance of sediment as a source of uptake for most of the elements (but not Cl). This should be considered in radioecological models, which conventionally predict concentration in aquatic organisms from concentration in water. The results also show that the assumption of linear transfer (constant concentration ratio) may not be valid for elements into fish. The results of this study show that further basic research is needed to understand the fundamental processes involved in transfer of elements into freshwater organisms in order to develop radioecological models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Majlesi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Jarkko Akkanen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 111, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Päivi Roivainen
- Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, PO Box 14, FI-00811 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina S Tuovinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jouni Sorvari
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Jonne Naarala
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Juutilainen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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Rea MAD, Johansen MP, Payne TE, Hirth G, Hondros J, Pandelus S, Tucker W, Duff T, Stopic A, Green L, Pring A, Lenehan CE, Popelka-Filcoff RS. Radionuclides and stable elements in vegetation in Australian arid environments: Concentration ratios and seasonal variation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 234:106627. [PMID: 33964669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2021.106627] [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: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Data on the uptake of elements and radionuclides by flora from soils in arid environments are underrepresented in international databases, especially when comparing across seasons. This study improved the understanding on the uptake of natural uranium-series radionuclides, as well as more than 30 elements, in a range of Australian native flora species that are internationally representative of an arid/semi-arid zone (e.g. Acacia, Astrebla, Atriplex, and Dodonea). Results indicate that the soil-to-plant uptake ratios were generally higher when compared with international data for grasses and shrubs from more temperate environments. The majority of the elemental concentrations in grasses were higher in winter than in summer and the opposite trend was found in shrubs, which suggests that the season of collection potentially introduces variability in the reported concentration ratios. The data also suggest that grasses, being dominant and widespread species in arid zones, may be effective as a reference organism to ensure comparative assessment across sites of interest. The results of this study will improve the confidence of environmental assessments in arid zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angelica D Rea
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Mathew P Johansen
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia.
| | - Timothy E Payne
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia.
| | - Gillian Hirth
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia.
| | - Jim Hondros
- JRHC Enterprises Pty. Ltd., Stirling, SA, 5152, Australia.
| | - Samantha Pandelus
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - William Tucker
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Tim Duff
- National Energy Resources Australia, Kensington, WA, 6151, Australia.
| | - Attila Stopic
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia.
| | - Liesel Green
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia.
| | - Allan Pring
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Claire E Lenehan
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Rachel S Popelka-Filcoff
- Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia; University of Melbourne, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Skoko B, Babić D, Franić Z, Bituh T, Petrinec B. Distribution and transfer of naturally occurring radionuclides and 137Cs in the freshwater system of the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia, and related dose assessment to wildlife by ERICA Tool. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:23547-23564. [PMID: 33452639 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12415-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the natural radioactivity of Plitvice Lakes, under the assumption that due to its status as a National Park, the area can be considered an example of a natural freshwater system. Also, considering the transfer parameter data as the largest source of uncertainty in radiological risk assessments, the impact of site-specific data on dose rate assessment, as opposed to currently available data, was investigated. The study included gamma and alpha spectrometric measurements of 238U, 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra, and 40K in water, sediment, and fish samples, as well as 137Cs due to the coinciding of the study with the Fukushima accident. The content of naturally occurring radionuclides significantly varied in sediments of different Lakes, probably as a reflection of the different underlying geology of the area. Also, the 210Pb distribution in sediments indicated an up to 312 Bq kg-1 of the allochthonous contribution of this radionuclide at the beginning of the Lake's watercourse, which probably entered into the lake system by the major inlet river with its steady decrease along downstream lakes. Low 40K activity concentrations (27.5 ± 20.1 mBq L-1) in the Lake's waters might be one of the causes of increased 137Cs activity concentrations in fish samples (1.5 ± 0.4 Bq kg-1), which was found to be an order of magnitude higher than average values for different fish species from other Croatian freshwater systems (0.2 ± 0.1 Bq kg-1). A temporary increase of 137Cs activity concentrations was measured in water samples collected immediately after the Fukushima accident. Calculated site-specific sediment/water distribution coefficients and fish/water concentration ratios for radium and caesium were on average lower than generic ones found in the literature. Background dose rate assessments performed by the ERICA Tool indicated a profound impact of different input data on assessment results with water activity concentrations resulting in significantly higher dose rates (0.1-67 μGy h-1) in comparison to sediment activity concentrations (0.03-9 μGy h-1). An incremental dose rate due to 137Cs was found to be in the range of < 0.001-0.023 μGy h-1 which, in comparison to background dose rates, can be considered negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Božena Skoko
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Dinko Babić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zdenko Franić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Bituh
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Branko Petrinec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Doering C. Whole organism concentration ratios of radionuclides and metals in terrestrial vertebrates of an Australian tropical savanna environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 207:7-14. [PMID: 31151051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2019.05.016] [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: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Preliminary values of whole organism concentration ratio (CRwo-soil) were derived for terrestrial vertebrates of an Australian tropical savanna environment. Wildlife groups included bird, bat, ground-dwelling mammal and reptile. Sample data for some of the wildlife groups (bird and bat in particular) were limited. The bird and bat CRwo-soil values were generally lower than the ground-dwelling mammal and reptile CRwo-soil values based on the available data. Arithmetic mean CRwo-soil values for two species of native marsupial and two species of non-native placental were not significantly different (p < 0.05) when tested using a one-way analysis of variance. The results hinted at possible sampling efficiencies for terrestrial vertebrates. However, verification with additional data was recommended. Used cautiously, the CRwo-soil values may assist in environmental assessments of Australian uranium mining sites. They also enhance the available data on radionuclide transfer to wildlife for use internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia.
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8
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Doering C, Carpenter J, Orr B, Urban D. Whole organism concentration ratios in freshwater wildlife from an Australian tropical U mining environment and the derivation of a water radiological quality guideline value. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 198:27-35. [PMID: 30579144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.12.011] [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: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
More than 10,000 whole organism concentration ratio (CRwo-water) values for freshwater wildlife were derived from radionuclide and stable element data representing an Australian tropical U mining environment. The CRwo-water values were summarised into five wildlife groups (bird, fish, mollusc, reptile and vascular plant). The summarised CRwo-water values represented 77 organism-element combinations. The CRwo-water values for U decay series elements were used in a tier 3 ERICA assessment. The assessment results were used to derive a water radiological quality guideline value (GV) for radiation protection of freshwater ecosystems in the context of the planned remediation of the Ranger U mine. The GV was an above-background water 226Ra activity concentration of 14 mBq L-1 (filtered fraction) or approximately 22 mBq L-1 (total fraction). The GV was based on the results of mollusc-bivalve as the limiting organism for the freshwater ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Doering
- Environmental Research Institute of the Supervising Scientist (ERISS), GPO Box 461, Darwin, NT, 0801, Australia.
| | - Julia Carpenter
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia
| | - Blake Orr
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia
| | - David Urban
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie, VIC, 3085, Australia
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9
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Beaugelin-Seiller K, Howard BJ, Garnier-Laplace J. An approach to identifying the relative importance of different radionuclides in ecological radiological risk assessment: Application to nuclear power plant releases. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2019; 197:116-126. [PMID: 30553229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to prioritise the requirements for data to assess the radiological risk for fauna and flora, as inevitable large data gaps occur due to the large number of combinations of radionuclides and organisms for which doses need to be assessed. The potentially most important dose-forming radionuclide-pathways combinations need to be identified to optimize filling these gaps. Few attempts have been made to classify the importance of isotopes with regard to radiation protection of the environment. A hierarchical approach is described here for radionuclides that are potentially present in generic ecosystems (freshwater, marine or terrestrial) and is applied for scenarios considering ecologically relevant chronic exposure. In each ecosystem, the top ten radionuclides that may contribute to doses were identified using a qualitative Chronic Hazard Index. Including quantitative aspects by incorporating discharge quantities changed the priority list, and increased the relative importance of radionuclides contributing most to the authorized releases of nuclear facilities (14C and 3H followed by 60C). The potentially most important dose-contributing radionuclides in the framework of environmental radiation protection under a chronic exposure situation included isotopes of about 20 elements. The five most important in order of decreasing importance were: carbon, hydrogen, caesium, cobalt and americium. Consideration of acute exposure situations was hampered by data gaps that were even greater than that for chronic exposure situations, so it was only possible to consider the feasibility of developing a consistent approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brenda J Howard
- NERC, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology CEH Lancaster, United Kingdom
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10
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Guillén J, Beresford NA, Baeza A, Izquierdo M, Wood MD, Salas A, Muñoz-Serrano A, Corrales-Vázquez JM, Muñoz-Muñoz JG. Transfer parameters for ICRP's Reference Animals and Plants in a terrestrial Mediterranean ecosystem. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2018; 186:9-22. [PMID: 28919133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A system for the radiological protection of the environment (or wildlife) based on Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs) has been suggested by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). To assess whole-body activity concentrations for RAPs and the resultant internal dose rates, transfer parameters are required. However, transfer values specifically for the taxonomic families defined for the RAPs are often sparse and furthermore can be extremely site dependent. There is also a considerable geographical bias within available transfer data, with few data for Mediterranean ecosystems. In the present work, stable element concentrations (I, Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, P, S, K. Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb and U) in terrestrial RAPs, and the corresponding whole-body concentration ratios, CRwo, were determined in two different Mediterranean ecosystems: a Pinewood and a Dehesa (grassland with disperse tree cover). The RAPs considered in the Pinewood ecosystem were Pine Tree and Wild Grass; whereas in the Dehesa ecosystem those considered were Deer, Rat, Earthworm, Bee, Frog, Duck and Wild Grass. The CRwo values estimated from these data are compared to those reported in international compilations and databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guillén
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain.
| | - N A Beresford
- NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Av. Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, United Kingdom; School of Environment and Life Sciences, Room 323, Peel Building, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - A Baeza
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - M Izquierdo
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonnington Campus, Leicerstershire, LE12 5RD, United Kingdom
| | - M D Wood
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, Room 323, Peel Building, University of Salford, Manchester, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - A Salas
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - A Muñoz-Serrano
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J M Corrales-Vázquez
- Department of Experimental Sciences and Mathematics Teaching, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - J G Muñoz-Muñoz
- LARUEX, Dpt. Applied Physics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avda. Universidad, s/n, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
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11
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Hirth GA, Grzechnik M, Tinker R, Larsson CM. Australia's proactive approach to radiation protection of the environment: how integrated is it with radiation protection of humans? Ann ICRP 2018; 47:313-326. [PMID: 29699413 DOI: 10.1177/0146645318756842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Australia's regulatory framework has evolved over the past decade from the assumption that protection of humans implies protection of the environment to the situation now where radiological impacts on non-human species (wildlife) are considered in their own right. In an Australian context, there was a recognised need for specific national guidance on protection of non-human species, for which the uranium mining industry provides the major backdrop. National guidance supported by publications of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (Radiation Protection Series) provides clear and consistent advice to operators and regulators on protection of non-human species, including advice on specific assessment methods and models, and how these might be applied in an Australian context. These approaches and the supporting assessment tools provide a mechanism for industry to assess and demonstrate compliance with the environmental protection objectives of relevant legislation, and to meet stakeholder expectations that radiological protection of the environment is taken into consideration in accordance with international best practice. Experiences from the past 5-10 years, and examples of where the approach to radiation protection of the environment has been well integrated or presented some challenges will be discussed. Future challenges in addressing protection of the environment in existing exposure situations will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Hirth
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Rd, Yallambie, 3085 Victoria, Australia
| | - M Grzechnik
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Rd, Yallambie, 3085 Victoria, Australia
| | - R Tinker
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Rd, Yallambie, 3085 Victoria, Australia
| | - C M Larsson
- Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Rd, Yallambie, 3085 Victoria, Australia
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