29 research outputs found
Assessment of co–contaminant effects on uranium and thorium speciation in freshwater using geochemical modelling
Speciation modelling of uranium (as uranyl) and thorium, in four freshwaters impacted by mining activities, was used to evaluate (i) the influence of the co–contaminants present on the predicted speciation, and (ii) the influence of using nine different model/database combinations on the predictions. Generally, co–contaminants were found to have no significant effects on speciation, with the exception of Fe(III) in one system, where formation of hydrous ferric oxide and adsorption of uranyl to its surface impacted the predicted speciation. Model and database choice on the other hand clearly influenced speciation prediction. Complexes with dissolved organic matter, which could be simulated by three of the nine model/database combinations, were predicted to be important in a slightly acidic, soft water. Model prediction of uranyl and thorium speciation needs to take account of database comprehensiveness and cohesiveness, including the capability of the model and database to simulate interactions with dissolved organic matter. Measurement of speciation in natural waters is needed to provide data that may be used to assess and improve model capabilities and to better constrain the type of predictive modelling work presented here
Modelling the exposure of wildlife to radiation: key findings and activities of IAEA working groups
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) established the Biota Working Group
(BWG) as part of its Environmental Modelling for Radiation Safety (EMRAS) programme in
2004 (http://www-ns.iaea.org/projects/emras/emras-biota-wg.htm). At that time both the
IAEA and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) were addressing
environmental protection (i.e. protection of non-human biota or wildlife) within the on-going
revisions to the Basic Safety Standards and Recommendations respectively. Furthermore,
some countries (e.g. the USA, UK) were already conducting assessments in accordance with
national guidelines. Consequently, a number of assessment frameworks/models had been or
were being developed. The BWG was established recognising these developments and the
need to improve Member State’s capabilities with respect to protection of the environment
from ionizing radiation. The work of the BWG was continued within the IAEA’s EMRAS II
programme by the Biota Modelling Group (http://wwwns.
iaea.org/projects/emras/emras2/working-groups/working-group-four.asp)
Detailed plan for the COMET WP3 initial research activity - list of research projects and goals, participants and timing
Detailed plan for the COMET Work Package (WP) 3
The Radioecology Exchange
The Radioecology Exchange (www.radioecology-exchange.org) was created in 2011
under the EU FP7 STAR (STrategy for Allied Radioecology, www.star-radioecology.org)
Network of Excellence; (2011-2015). This project aims to integrate radioecological research
efforts of European organisations into a sustainable network. In 2013, the EU FP7 COMET
(COordination and iMplementation of a pan-European instrumenT for radioecology (2013-
2017); www.comet-radioecology.org) project commenced; COMET will build upon the work
initiated under STAR. The Radioecology Exchange has therefore become the web resource
for activities from both projects which will ultimately be maintained by the European
Radioecology Alliance (ALLIANCE; www.er-alliance.org). The Radioecology Exchange is
intended to become a ‘gateway’ for information related to European (and wider)
radioecological research
COMET deliverable (D-No. 1.5). COMET project final report: advancement in science, integration and sustainability of European radioecology
The EC FP7 COMET (Coordination and iMplementation of a pan-European instrument for radioecology) was funded to strengthen the pan-European research initiative on the impact of radiation on man and the environment by facilitating the integration of radioecology research and development