A GIS-based environmental decision support system to assess the transfer of long-lived radiocaesium through food chains in areas contaminated by the Chernobyl accident
Authors:
M. Van Der Perk;
J. R. Burema;
P. A. Burrough;
A. G. Gillett; M. B. Van Der Meer
DOI:
10.1080/13658810010005552
Publication Frequency:
12 issues per year
Published in:
International Journal of Geographical Information Science,
Volume
15,
Issue
1
January
2001
, pages 43
- 64
Subjects:
Cartography;
Computer Science (General);
Earth Sciences;
Geographic Information Systems;
Location Based Services;
Navigation;
Systems & Computer Architecture of Databases;
Topography;
Transport Geography;
Number of References: 31
Formats available:
PDF
(English)
Previously published as:
International journal of geographical information systems
(0269-3798,
1362-3087)
until 1996
View Article:
View Article (PDF)
Abstract
As part of the EC-financed RESTORE project ('Restoration of radioactively contaminated ecosystems'), an operational, user-friendly GIS-based Environmental Decision Support System (EDSS) has been developed. The RESTORE EDSS comprises a GIS-embedded modelling tool to assess the transfer of radiocaesium via food chains and external radiation exposures to humans based on an understanding of the nature of contamination, geo-chemical, hydrological, and biological processes, the different pathways for radiocaesium, and human behaviour. The EDSS accounts for spatial and temporal variation of these factors and is applicable to a variety of ecosystems. The overall aim of the EDSS is to identify vulnerable areas in terms of enhanced radionuclide transfer into food chains and/or the presence of 'critical population groups' that suffer enhanced internal and/or external exposure to radionuclides. Therefore, it provides information to support decisions about where to implement countermeasures and where to restore contaminated land most effectively. Predictions made by the EDSS use maps of soil contamination, soil type, and land use, production and production rates, and consumption habits of the affected population. The EDSS is illustrated by an analysis of the entire contaminated area of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia.
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