Tasks and Activities under Development

In addition to the on-going work programme, the following tasks and activities are currently under development within BIOPROTA:

U-238 Series Modelling

A new task is under development aimed at:

  • Improving understanding of the disequilibrium in the U-238 decay chain within the geosphere biosphere interface and in other potential redox front situations,
    • particularly given the differences in assumed equilibrium distribution coefficients for Th-230 and Ra-226;
    • and, on shorter timescales, between Ra-226, Pb-210 and Po-210 migration and accumulation, and subsequent uptake in the food chain.
  • Improving understanding of the radon emanation rate from soils, sediments and the built environment.
  • Addressing both the above issues under situations of environmental change, occurring once the contamination is in the environment.

For further information, please contact: d.perez[at]ciemat.es or gmsabingdon[at]btinternet.com.

Radium Workshop

A proposal to hold a radium workshop to advance knowledge and understanding of the key processes and fate of radium in the environment was raised during the 2009 annual BIOPROTA meeting. The aim of the workshop would be to bring together individuals involved in radioactive waste management with those with experience with legacy sites. For further information, please contact gmsabingdon[at]btinternet.com.

Effective Kd

In discussion of Lara Duro's presentation of work for SKB during the 2009 annual BIOPROTA meeting, it was suggested that a technique for determining effective sorption and retardation coefficients could be applied to alternative sites and to other heterogeneous parts of the system under assessment, such as the surface soil column, to determine effective parameter values. This would be most valuable for the most critical radionuclides for which sorption and retention is redox sensitive. For further information, please contact lara.duro[at]amphos21.com.

Chlorine, Selenium and Iodine Conference

Consideration is currently being given to holding an international conference on the key radionuclides chlorine, selenium and iodine in 2012. For further information, please contact yves.thiry[at]andra.fr or gmsabingdon[at]btinternet.com.

Additional tasks may be developed as a result of recommendations arising from tasks within the current work programme.

Suggestions for additional tasks for inclusion within BIOPROTA can be sent using our contact us form.