Relevance of biotic pathways to the long-term regulation of nuclear waste disposal: Phase 2, Final report

Technical Report · Sat Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7073996· OSTI ID:7073996

McKenzie, D H; Cadwell, L L; Kennedy, Jr, W E; Prohammer, L A; Simmons, M A

The results reported here establish the relevance and propose a method for including biotic transport in the assessment and licensing process for commercial low-level waste disposal sites. Earlier work identified the biotic transport mechanisms and process scenarios linking biotic transport with dose to man, and developed models for assessment of impacts. Model modification and improvement efforts in enhancing the ability to represent soil erosion and soil transport within the trench cover. Two alternative hypotheses on plant root uptake were incorporated into the model to represent transport of radionuclides by roots that penetrate the buried waste. Enhancements were also made to the scenario for future site intruder activities. Representation of waste package decomposition in the model was confirmed as the best available alternative. Results from sensitivity analyses indicate that additional information is needed to evaluate the alternative hypotheses for plant root uptake of buried wastes. Site-specific evaluations of the contribution from biotic transport to the potential dose to man establish the relevance in the assessment process. The BIOPORT/MAXI1 computer software package is proposed for dose assessments of commercial low-level waste disposal sites.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 7073996
• Report Number(s): NUREG/CR-2675-Vol.6; PNL-4241-Vol.6; ON: TI87003043
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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ABSORPTION
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