Page History

On this page we try to provide answers to the questions you have asked. Feel free to use the Ask a Question form to comment on the questions or answers provided.

Posted: 28/07/2010

Topic:
Choice of analogue radionuclides and use of the 'IAEA SRS-19 models' within the ERICA Tool

From:
Corynne McGuire
University of Strathclyde
UK

Question:
When using the estuarine model should I be using the estuary width and depth at the point of discharge or should it be the maximum width and maximum depth?

Answer:
.

Answered by Nick Beresford with input from Justin Brown (Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority) 05/08/2010

Posted: 28/07/2010

Topic:
Choice of analogue radionuclides and use of the 'IAEA SRS-19 models' within the ERICA Tool

From:
Corynne McGuire
University of Strathclyde
UK

Question:
I was wondering if you can offer advice on what to do when chosing analogues to represent radionuclides that are not included in the ERICA Tool or when the radionuclide is unknown and in a vague category such as other non-alpha radionuclide? I have attached an excel document with the list of radionuclides and vague categories that I will need to assess with suggested analogues.

Also, when using the estuarine model should I be using the estuary width and depth at the point of discharge or should it be the maximum width and maximum depth?

Answer:
With regard to the choice of analogues radionuclides to represent radionuclides not included within the Tool as defaults you assuming Pu-239 for all alpha-emitters and Tc-99 for all other categories you have to assess. This appears to be applying the guidance developed by the England and Wales Environment Agency (EA) (confirmed). You could argue this approach on the grounds of consistency. However, it depends upon the purpose of your assessment - do you want to be conservative?. If yes then the analogues suggested by EA may not always be the most conservative choices. As alternatives - You can add some of these radionuclides in ERICA and generate your own EMCLs ... some of the elements (e.g.) Ce would already have transfer parameters - this involves using Tier 3 and you would then have to compare the resultant Environmental Medial Concentration Limits (EMCLs) to your media concentrations outside of the Tool as the user cannot add EMCLs (see Brown et al. 2008 for details of how to estimate EMCLs); (ii) look at the available EMCL values and pick the most conservative (i.e. lowest) available dependent upon emitter type.

Answered by Nick Beresford 05/08/2010

Posted: 07/06/2010

Topic:
Modelling exposure to Acacia trees (EMRAS II Little Forest Burial Ground Scenario)

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