Predictive Compartmental Models for Bioaccumulation and Transport

Various processes govern the transfer, distribution and accumulation of radionuclides in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystem. Evaluation of exposure pathways for the protection of the public and the ecosystems requires site-characteristics data and parameters that are not always available. Significant sorption–desorption processes in the environment considering kinetic mechanisms, thermodynamic analysis and phenomenological aspects of the overall migration and uptake of the radionuclide can be simulated through mathematical models reproducing the complex behaviour of radionuclides in the biosphere. Different modelling tools used by researchers for understanding the processes affecting the fate and transport of radionuclides in different ecosystems have been summarized. With time, gained expertise and significant advances in techniques have led to the development of the models and improved capabilities for better evaluation and performance assessment of the site, supporting the radioprotection of both humans and the environment.