A kinetic-allometric approach to predicting tissue radionuclide concentrations for biota

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0265-931X(02)00116-9· OSTI ID:15004352

Higley, K. A.; Domotor, S. L.; Antonio, E. J.

Allometry, or the biology of scaling, is the study of size and its consequences. It has become a useful tool for comparative phsiology. There are several allometric equations that relate body size to many parameters, including ingestion rate, lifespan, inhalation rate, home range and more. While these equations were originally derived from empirical observations, there is a growing body of evidence that these relationships have their origins in the dynamics of energy transport mechanisms. As part of an ongoing effort to assist the Department of Energy in developing generic methods for evaluating radiation dose to biota, we have examined the utility of applyig allometric techniques to predicting radionuclide tissue concentration across a large range of terrestrial and riparian species of animals. This particular study examined twenty-three elements. Initial investigations suggest that the allometric approach can provide a useful tool to derive limiting values of uptake and elimination factors for biota.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 15004352
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-34173; HC1304000
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Vol. 66, Issue 1-2; ISSN 0265-931X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English