Priorities for the next decade of research in radiation ecology

Conference · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Bull. Ecol. Soc. Am.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5901751

Hoffman, Jr, F O; McCormick, J F

Radiation ecology is the study of the fate and effects of ionizing radiations in the environment. The 1986 Chernobyl accident provides unprecedented opportunities to test models of the transport of a great variety of radionuclides in a variety of ecosystems under a variety of conditions throughout the world. International collaboration provides exciting opportunities to explore the fate of radionuclides on a global scale. Our understanding of ecological effects of ionizing radiations is based almost entirely upon results of point source gamma studies such as those described in this symposium. While results of these studies are incomplete and insufficient, even less is known of ecological effects resulting from high levels of radioactive fallout. High priority should be given to completing long term studies of previously irradiated ecosystems and to initiating studies of the ecological effects of radioactive fallout. The most challenging task is to improve and couple our knowledge of radionuclide transport, radiation dosimetry and ecological effects so that, for a given level of radioactivity released into specific ecosystems, we can predict immediate and long term consequences.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., Oak Ridge, TN (US); Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (US)
• OSTI ID: 5901751
• Report Number(s): CONF-870835-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Bull. Ecol. Soc. Am.; (United States) Journal Volume: 68:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560140* -- Radiation Effects on Plants
560162 -- Radionuclide Effects
Kinetics
& Toxicology-- Animals
Plants
Microorganisms
& Cells
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FALLOUT
GROWTH
MASS TRANSFER
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION