NRPB - W46 Modelling Approach for the Transfer of Actinides to Fruit Species of Importance in the UK

Synopsis

A non-technical summary of this report is available.

The Food Standards Agency has a requirement to be able to predict activity concentrations in food following deposition of radioactive material following both accidental and routine discharges of radioactivity to the environment. Currently, the Agency does not have a predictive capability to assess the transfer of actinide elements to fruit crops. There is a possibility that fruit crops being grown during atmospheric releases of actinides to the environment may be contaminated at levels that could necessitate intervention by the Food Standards Agency.

A compartment model has been developed to predict activity concentrations in fruit following deposition of actinides from both accidental and routine discharges of radioactivity to the environment. This model considers the fruit species of potential concern in the UK, based on the amounts consumed and produced in the UK.

The important routes of contamination for the major fruit species for both routine and accidental release applications have been identified as a basis for determining the modelling approach. A simple approach is adopted, reflecting the paucity of information on actinide transfer to fruit.

Results from the compartment model have been generated to provide look-up tables relating deposition to activity concentrations, which can be used directly by the Agency.

Last reviewed: 4 August 2009