Derivation of a screening methodology for evaluating radiation dose to aquatic and terrestrial biota

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2003 · Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0265-931X(02)00115-7· OSTI ID:15004351

Higley, Kathryn A.; Domotor, Stephen L.; Antonio, Ernest J.; Kocher, David C.

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) currently has in place a radiation dose standard for the protection of aquatic organisms, and is considering proposing dose standards for both aquatic and terrestrial biota. These standards are: 10 mGy/d for aquatic animals; 10 mGy/d for terrestrial plants; and 1 mGy/d for terrestrial animals. Guidance on suitable approaches to implementation of these standards is needed. A screening methodology was developed as the first part of DOE's three-step graded approach for evaluating radiation doses to aquatic and terrestrial biota. Limiting concentrations of radionuclides in water, soil, and sediment media were derived for twenty-three target radionuclides. Four organism types (aquatic animals; riparian animals; terrestrial animals; and terrestrial plants) were selected as the basis for methods development. Internal doses for each organism type were calculated as the product of media concentration, bioaccumulation factors(s) and dose conversion factors. External doses were calculated based on the assumption of immersion of the organism in soil, sediment, or water. The assumptions and default parameters used provide for conservative screening values.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 15004351
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-34172; HC1304000
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity Journal Issue: 1-2 Vol. 66; ISSN 0265-931X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English