Validation of the Farmland Models for Radionuclide Transfer Through Terrestrial Foodchains

Abstract

The NRPB dynamic foodchain models, FARMLAND, are general models to simulate the transfer of radionuclides through terrestrial foodchains.

In order to assess the ability of the models to represent general conditions, predictions have been compared with two sets of data. The first set are measurements made after the Chernobyl reactor accident of activity concentrations in milk, lamb and green vegetables. The suitability of the data for model validation, the problems encountered and any significant differences between predictions and measurements are identified and discussed. The second set is of UK average activity concentrations in milk from fallout due to weapons testing over the last thirty years.

Model predictions have also been compared with site-specific data of levels in milk resulting from the Chernobyl accident, for two different cattle management regimes.