Models for the transfer of radionuclides in cattle for use in radiological assessments

In performing assessments of the radiological impact of releases of radioactive materials to the environment, mathematical models are required to enable the transfer through various parts of the environment and hence the dose to man to be predicted. The nature of the models and their degree of complexity depend largely upon the particular applications in which they are to be used. Two types of model of differing degrees of complexity for predicting the transfer of strontium, caesium and iodine in cattle have been developed at NRPB . They form part of a general model for the transfer of radionuclides through terrestrial foodchains . The first is a relatively simple model based on the use of equilibrium transfer factors, while the second is an improved but more complex model which incorporates the extra features necessary to provide a reasonable representation of the time dependence of transfer to milk and to meat. Comparisons of the results using the two types of model in some situations of radiological interest have been performed. From these comparisons conclusions have been drawn about the adequacy and pertinence of the use of each model type in different situations.