Modelling of effects due to chronic exposure of a fish population to ionizing radiation

A dynamic model was developed for description of radiation effects in an isolated fish population chronically exposed at different dose rates. The induced effects were predicted based on damage created by the radiation, recovery by means of repair mechanisms, and natural growth of the population. Three types of radiation effects (umbrella endpoints) were simulated--decrease of population size, decrease of reproductive capacity, and effects on the morbidity of the population. The influence of ecological interactions on the irradiated fish population was simulated using the combined action of radiation and parasite infestation as an example (ecological interaction "host-parasite"). The model calculations demonstrate that influence of ecological interactions can considerably aggravate the effects of radiation to an exposed population. It was concluded that development of standards for wildlife protection against ionizing radiation requires consideration of possible ecological interactions and to take into account the ecological effects of radiation.