Modelling Radioactivity In The Environment

Just as an environmental model typically will be composed of a number of linked sub-models, representing physical, chemical or biological processes understood to varying degrees, this volume includes a series of linked chapters exemplifying the fundamental nature of environmental radioactivity models in all compartments of the environment. Why is a book on modelling environmental radioactivity necessary? There are many reasons why such a boook is necessary, perhaps the most important that: - modelling is an often misunderstood and maligned activity and this book can provide, to a broad audience, a greater understanding of modelling power but also some of the limitations. - modellers and experimentalists often do not understand and mistrust each other's work yet they are mutually dependent, in the sense that good experimental science can direct good modelling work and vice-versa; we hope that this book can dispel mistrust and engender improved understanding. - there is an increasing reliance on model results in environmental management, yet there is also often misuse and misrepresentation of these results. This book can help to bridge the gap between unrealistic expectations of model power and the realisation of what is possible, practicable and feasible in modelling of environmental radioactivity; and finally, - modelling tools, capacity and power have increased many-fold in a relatively short period of time. Much of this is due to the much-heralded computer revolution, but much is also due to better science. It is useful to consider what gap if any still remains between what is possible and what is necessary.

- Thema des Bandes ist die Radioaktivität in der Umwelt (Herkunft, Transport, Messung) - einziges Buch auf dem Markt, das sich derart ausführlich nur mit diesem Thema beschäftigt - wendet sich an breitgefächertes Leserspektrum (Studenten, Dozenten, Forscher, Unternehmen, Berater) - Interesse am Einfluß menschlicher Tätigkeit auf die Umwelt nimmt ständig zu

This book is a practical guide to the subject of numerical modelling of radioactivity dispersion in the marine environment. Thus, the techniques and numerical procedures required are explained in detail, with the aim of enabling the reader to build a real mathematical model. The book covers basic concepts and techniques, such as solving the advection-diffusion equation in a simple 1D form, as well as the most recent developments (full 3D models for non-conservative radionuclides including chemical reactions and speciation). A chapter is dedicated to the basic hydrodynamic modelling that is always required to simulate the dispersion of tracers in the sea; Eulerian and Lagrangian modelling techniques are also described. A chapter describes sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, the final stage in modelling works. A review on some published radionuclide dispersion models is also included. The book also includes a CD-ROM with a Lagrangian dispersion model of the Strait of Gibraltar and several Fortran codes developed by the author which can be used to reproduce some of the cases described in the book.

Tropical Radioecology is a guide to the wide range of scientific practices and principles of this multidisciplinary field. It brings together past and present studies in the tropical and subtropical areas of the planet, highlighting the unique aspects of tropical systems. Until recently, radioecological models for tropical environments have depended upon data derived from temperate environments, despite the differences of these regions in terms of biota and abiotic conditions. Since radioactivity can be used to trace environmental processes in humans and other biota, this book offers examples of studies in which radiotracers have been used to assess biokinetics in tropical biota. This book: Features chapters co-authored by world experts that explain the origins, inputs, distributions, behaviour, and consequences of radioactivity in tropical and subtropical systems. Provides comprehensive lists of relevant data and identifies current knowledge gaps to allow for targeted radioecological research in the future. Integrates radioecological information into the most recent radiological consequences modelling and best-practice probabilistic ecological risk analysis methodology, given the need to understand the implications of enhanced socio-economic development in the world's tropical regions. John Twining has published research and conducted field and laboratory studies on the nuclear industry's impact on the environment over four decades. While much of this work has been related to Australia's role as a uranium supplier, he has also evaluated this impact at the Maralinga test sites in the deserts of central Australia and the effects of French testing in the central Pacific. John also focused on the uptake of radionuclides by crops and the use of isotopes as tracers of biological processes. Much of this work was accomplished in tropical or subtropical environments, and this experience proved valuable for Tropical Radioecology. John is now associate editor for the Journal of Environmental Radioecology and a self-employed consultant radioecologist.

Describes an approach for assessing doses to members of the public as part of an environmental impact analysis of predictive radioactive discharges. This is achieved by using screening models which describe environmental processes in mathematical terms, producing a quantitative result.

Assessment of the radiological impact of planned or existing practices involving the (actual or potential) release of radionuclides to the environment are largely based on the use of modelling techniques which allow prediction of the relationship between environmental levels and releases and the associated radiation dose to man. Models are imperfect means of representing environmental transfer processes, and it is essential to know the reliability which can be associated with the predictions of these models for each and every assessment situation. Such information is necessary in order to establish confidence in model predictions and, in particular, to allow adequate safety margins to be set in the design of nuclear facilities. This knowledge is also a prerequisite to determine release limits or to decide whether further research is justified in order to improve predictive accuracy. Therefore a number of distinguished pilpers have been presented during this workshop which focused both on practical aspects of variability of observations of facts occuring in nature, but also on learned aspects of the science of statistics. It is not very clear, however, whether much insight in mechanisms is gained by such an approach. This insight is probably rather reached by a straightforward judgment of the quality of the primary data and by the willingness to think over carefully the experiments and measurernents before doing them. The book is composed such as to give the reader the chance to quietly study the presented papers in good order.

The Radioactivity in the Environment Series addresses the key aspects of this socially important and complex interdisciplinary subject. Presented objectively and with the ultimate authority gained from the many contributions by the world's leading experts, the negative and positive consequences of having a radioactive world around us is documented and given perspective. In a world in which nuclear science is not only less popular than in the past, but also less extensively taught in universities and colleges, this book series will fill a significant educational gap. Radioactivity in the Terrestrial Environment presents an updated and critical review of designing, siting, constructing and demonstrating the safety and environmental impact of deep repositories for radioactive wastes. It is structured to provide a broad perspective of this multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary topic providing enough detail for a non-specialist to understand the fundamental principles involved. Contains extensive references to sources of more detailed information Provides a detailed summary of radioactivity in terrestrial ecosystems, providing a substantial and essential reference on the subject Discusses lesser-known sources of radiation exposure that provide useful information for those seeking to place environmental radioactivity into perspective