Fit-for-purpose modelling of radiocaesium soil-to-plant transfer for nuclear emergencies: a review

Numerous radioecological models have been developed to predict radionuclides transfer from contaminated soils to the food chain, which is an essential step in preparing and responding to nuclear emergencies. However, the lessons learned from applying these models to predict radiocaesium (RCs) soil-to-plant transfer following the Fukushima accident in 2011 renewed interest in RCs transfer modelling. To help guide and prioritise further research in relation to modelling RCs transfer in terrestrial environments, we reviewed existing models focussing on transfer to food crops and animal fodders. To facilitate the review process, we categorised existing RCs soil-to-plant transfer models into empirical, semi-mechanistic and mechanistic, though several models cross the boundaries between these categories. The empirical approach predicts RCs transfer to plants based on total RCs concentration in soil and an empirical transfer factor. The semi-mechanistic approach takes into account the influence of soil characteristics such as clay and exchangeable potassium content on RCs transfer. It also uses ʻbioavailableʼ rather than total RCs in soil. The mechanistic approach considers the physical and chemical processes that control RCs distribution and uptake in soil-plant systems including transport in the root zone and root absorption kinetics. Each of these modelling approaches has its advantages and disadvantages. The empirical approach is simple and requires two inputs, but it is often associated with considerably uncertainty due to the large variability in the transfer factor. The semi-mechanistic approach factorises more soil and plant parameters than the empirical approach; therefore, it is applicable to a wider range of environmental conditions. The mechanistic approach is instrumental in understanding RCs mobility and transfer in soil-plant systems; it also helps to identify influential soil and plant parameters. However, the comlexity and the large amount of specific parameters make this approach impractical for nuclear emergency preparedness and response purposes. We propose that the semi-mechanistic approach is sufficiently robust and practical, hence more fit for the purpose of planning and responding to nuclear emergencies compared with the empirical and mechanistic approaches. We recommend further work to extend the applicability of the semi-mechanistic approach to a wide range of plants and soils

Human food chain modelling within the CONFIDENCE project

The EURATOM funded CONFIDENCE (COping with uNcertainties For Improved modelling and DEcision making in Nuclear emergenCiEs) project is considering various aspects of emergency management with the aim to reduce and cope with uncertainty. Here we consider activities within CONFIDENCE to improve the capabilities of human foodchain models, including to better characterise, and where possible, reduce uncertainties

Observatories for radioecological research: description

Two areas were identified as the most promising candidates for becoming Radioecological Observatories

An updated strategic research agenda for the integration of radioecology in the european radiation protection research

International audienceThe ALLIANCE Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for radioecology is a living document that defines a long-termvision (20 years) of the needs for, and implementation of, research in radioecology in Europe. The initial SRA,published in 2012, included consultation with a wide range of stakeholders (Hinton et al., 2013). This revisedversion is an update of the research strategy for identified research challenges, and includes a strategy tomaintain and develop the associated required capacities for workforce (education and training) and researchinfrastructures and capabilities. Beyond radioecology, this SRA update constitutes a contribution to the implementationof a Joint Roadmap for radiation protection research in Europe (CONCERT, 2019a). This roadmap,established under the H2020 European Joint Programme CONCERT, provides a common and shared vision forradiation protection research, priority areas and strategic objectives for collaboration within a European radiationprotection research programme to 2030 and beyond. Considering the advances made since the first SRA,this updated version presents research challenges and priorities including identified scientific issues that, whensuccessfully resolved, have the potential to impact substantially and strengthen the system and/or practice of theoverall radiation protection (game changers) in radioecology with regard to their integration into the globalvision of European research in radiation protection. An additional aim of this paper is to encourage contributionfrom research communities, end users, decision makers and other stakeholders in the evaluation, furtheradvancement and accomplishment of the identified priorities