Movement of Radionuclides in Terrestrial Ecosystems by Physical Processes

Abstract

Physical processes that effect the movement of radionuclides in the temperate environments post-deposition are considered in this paper. The physical processes considered include the interception of radionuclides by vegetation, resuspension, and vertical migration in soil. United States and Russian results on the interception of radionuclides are reviewed and defined in terms of models that are currently undergoing evaluation and revision. New results on resuspension are evaluated, and a preliminary new model for the time-dependent resuspension factor is proposed. Chernobyl-related results on the movement of radionuclides into the soil column are presented, as is a revised model for this process based upon recent results from Ukraine.

Source term models for fine particle resuspension from indoor surfaces

“…The other models she examined include the two by Anspaugh et al [23,24], the NCRP model [25], and Loosmore's own adaptation of the NCRP model that includes the effect of time in the first day (see Table 1). Brief descriptions and histories of each of these models are available in Ref.…”

Weather-dependent change of cesium, strontium, barium and tellurium contamination deposited as aerosols on various cultures

“…The interception and retention of radioactive materials on vegetation surfaces are the processes likely to have the greatest impact on food-chain transport (Joshi, 1982;Anspaugh et al, 2002). Whatever the crop, after the interception of airborne radionuclides by vegetation, the loss of radionuclides from foliage was found to have occurred over time, by radioactive decay, by translocation to new non-contaminated parts and by weathering (rainfall, wind and other meteorological variables) (Chamberlain, 1970).…”

Statistical Analysis of Fine Particle Resuspension from Rough Surfaces by Turbulent Flows

“…Empirical models (e.g., the models by Linsley (1978), Garland (1982), and Anspaugh et al (2002)) are generally derived from regression analysis or dimensional analysis of experimental data. Theoretical models describe the resuspension phenomenon in micro-scale mechanisms.…”