Handbook of Parameter Values for the Prediction of Radionuclide Transfer in Terrestrial and Freshwater Environments

For many years, the IAEA has published materials aimed at supporting the assessment of radiation impacts on human beings and the environment. Two major publications, Sediment Kd s and Concentration Factors for Radionuclides in the Marine Environment (Technical Reports Series No. 247), published in 1985, and the Handbook of Parameter Values for the Prediction of Radionuclide Transfer in Temperate Environments (Technical Reports Series No. 364), published in 1994, together provided a full set of available transfer parameter values for the marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. For many years, these two publications have served as key references for radioecologists, modellers and authorities, providing data for use in environmental impact assessments. Since the publication of these two collections of data, a number of publications on transfer parameter values have been produced and merit consideration. Therefore, in 2000 the IAEA initiated a revision of Technical Reports Series No. 247 which resulted in the publication, in 2004, of Sediment Distribution Coefficients and Concentration Factors for Biota in the Marine Environment (Technical Reports Series No. 422), covering newly obtained data as well as changes in the regulatory framework. In 2003, within the framework of the Environmental Modelling for Radiation Safety (EMRAS) programme, the IAEA undertook a revision of Technical Reports Series No. 364. The current publication was prepared by the members of Working Group 1 of the EMRAS programme, chaired by P. Calmon (IRSN, France). This publication focuses on transfer parameter values; the models in which they are used generally are not described here. It is therefore supported by IAEA-TECDOC-1616, which accompanies this report and contains the full collection of the reviewed data and provides radioecological concepts and models facilitating the use of these values in specific situations. This publication is intended to supplement existing IAEA reports on environmental assessment methodologies. The IAEA wishes to express its gratitude to all the experts who contributed to this report, and to the International Union of Radioecologists for its support. The IAEA officer responsible for this publication was S. Fesenko of the Agency’s Laboratories (Seibersdorf and Headquarters).