Variations in environmental tritium doses due to meteorological data averaging and uncertainties in pathway model parameters

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Health Physics

OSTI ID:393979

Kock, A L; Hamby, D M ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)

The large amount of tritium produced at the Savannah River Site coupled with the commencement of a dose reconstruction study at the facility emphasize the importance of ensuring accurate and efficient prediction of tritium doses to the public. Presently, dose estimates at the site are calculated annually using a five year meteorological database. Determining whether detailed monthly dose estimates are necessary for dose reconstruction or whether annual averaged data is sufficient offers the potential for more efficient dose prediction. Although several uncertainties exist in the model parameters used to estimate off-site dose, a deterministic approach is utilized at the site. Quantifying the uncertainties in model parameter values in order to predict a dose distribution will increase the realism of site environmental dose estimates. In the present study, off site collective committed doses and maximum individual doses due to atmospheric tritium releases to the terrestrial environment are calculated according to the methods outlined in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission`s Regulatory Guide 1.109 and compared using monthly versus five year meteorological data and source terms. Additional site specific variables not included in current annual reports, such as seasonal and age-dependent human consumption, seasonal absolute humidity, and age dependent dose conversion factors, are included for investigation of their effect on predicted off-site doses. In addition, the range in the predicted doses, based on the distribution in model parameters given in literature, are estimated. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed and the variability of calculated air concentrations utilizing differential dispersion data is investigated. Information gathered during this research is assuring radiological protection of the public and compliance with regulatory standards.

• OSTI ID: 393979
• Report Number(s): CONF-9607135--
• Journal Information: Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: Suppl.6 Vol. 70; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
AIR
EMISSION
MAN
RADIATION DOSES
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
SOURCE TERMS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
TRITIUM