Modelling of a large-scale urban contamination situation and remediation alternatives

J Environ Radioact. 2009 May;100(5):413-21. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2009.02.001. Epub 2009 Mar 26.

Abstract

The Urban Remediation Working Group of the International Atomic Energy Agency's EMRAS (Environmental Modelling for Radiation Safety) program was organized to address issues of remediation assessment modelling for urban areas contaminated with dispersed radionuclides. The present paper describes the first of two modelling exercises, which was based on Chernobyl fallout data in the town of Pripyat, Ukraine. Modelling endpoints for the exercise included radionuclide concentrations and external dose rates at specified locations, contributions to the dose rates from individual surfaces and radionuclides, and annual and cumulative external doses to specified reference individuals. Model predictions were performed for a "no action" situation (with no remedial measures) and for selected countermeasures. The exercise provided a valuable opportunity to compare modelling approaches and parameter values, as well as to compare the predicted effectiveness of various countermeasures with respect to short-term and long-term reduction of predicted doses to people.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chernobyl Nuclear Accident*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation / methods*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Radioactive Pollutants*
  • Ukraine
  • Urban Health*

Substances

  • Radioactive Pollutants