An analysis of measured values for the fraction of a radioactive aerosol intercepted by vegetation

Radiological assessments currently rely heavily on mathematical models to estimate the dose to man as a result of the transport through food chains of radionuclides released from nuclear facilities. The purpose of this paper is to present a statistical analysis of one parameter used in assessment models, the fraction of aerosol initially intercepted by vegetation. Radionuclides emitted to the atmosphere may by removed by wet and dry deposition processes. A portion of the total material deposited by the atmosphere is intercepted by vegetation and retained for a period of time. The radiation from this fraction of the aerosol initially retained on vegetation can result in a dose to man via ingestion and/or external exposure pathways. Because of this possibility for dose, the proper value for the interception fraction must be used when assessing the dose to man as a result of radioactive aerosol releases to the atmosphere. (author)