An approach for the assessment of risk from chronic radiation to populations of phytoplankton and zooplankton |
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Authors: | R C Wilson J Vives i Batlle S J Watts P McDonald S R Jones A Craze |
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Institution: | (1) Westlakes Scientific Consulting Ltd, The Princess Royal Building, Westlakes Science and Technology Park, Moor Row, Cumbria, CA24 3LN, UK;(2) Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Herdus House, Westlakes Science and Technology Park, Moor Row, Cumbria, CA24 3HU, UK |
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Abstract: | A conceptual model of the effects of chronic radiation on a population of phytoplankton and zooplankton in an oceanic nutrient
layer is presented. The model shows that there are distinct threshold dose rates at which the different plankton populations
become unsustainable. These are 10,400 μGy h−1 for phytoplankton and 125 μGy h−1 for zooplankton. Both these values are considerably greater than the current screening values for protection of 10 μGy h−1. The model highlights the effects of predator–prey dynamics in predicting that when the zooplankton is affected by the radiation
dose, the phytoplankton population can increase. In addition, the model was altered to replicate the dose rates to the plankton
of a previous ERICA Irish Sea assessment (24 μGy h−1 for zooplankton and 430 μGy h−1 to phytoplankton). The results showed only a 10% decrease in the zooplankton population and a 15% increase in the phytoplankton
population. Therefore, at this level of dose, the model predicts that although the dose rate exceeds the guideline value,
populations are not significantly affected. This result highlights the limitations of a single screening value for different
groups of organisms. |
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