Abstract

A dynamic model on Cs-137 in reindeer is presented, taking into consideration short- and long-term mechanisms, including the effect of ground deposition, transfer to vegetation, reindeer diet, feed intake, absorption and depletion of radiocaesium in the reindeer body. The model was optimised to fit measured activity concentrations in Swedish reindeer after the Chernobyl fallout. For comparison, regression analyses were made and aggregated transfer factors and effective ecological half-lives were estimated. The fit of the simulated model to observed activity concentrations was slightly better than the fit obtained by linear regressions. Improved knowledge about radiocaesium in vegetation would make the model more accurate for predictive purposes. Presently, the use of T-ag and T-eff is probably better for predictions, provided that their temporal and geographical limitations are taken into consideration. The dynamic model describes mechanisms better and may explain how changes in the system influence on activity concentrations of radiocaesium in the animal. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Published in

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
2007, Volume: 98, number: 1-2, pages: 153-165 Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

SLU Authors

• Åhman, Birgitta

  • Unit of Reindeer Husbandry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science
Veterinary Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2006.11.011

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/16772