Valeria Vladimirovna Stolbova

The possibility of using algorithm VERT_MIG the simulations of vertical migration of radionuclides in the soil are discussed. The algorithm was successfully used to develop models of migration 137Cs and 90Sr in radioactive contamination of different soils as a result of accidents at Chernobyl and Fukushima-1. The results of modeling are presented. The prospects for further use of this algorithm and some aspects of the use of simulation in this area are discussed.

Some aspects of application of simulation modeling of radionuclide behavior in food chains of terrestrial ecosystems are discussed. The model of behavior of ¹³⁷Cs in the system of type soil-vegetation-herbivores-predators is described. The results of modeling, including the calculation of the dynamics of dose load on animals, are presented. It is shown that in the simplified “Chernobyl” scenario of the radiological situation, dose loads on herbivores are significantly lower than on predators. In general, in animals in the first 10 years, the main contribution to the dose load is made by external irradiation. Then the external and internal dose loads become approximately equal.

The simulation model of seasonal dynamics of ¹³⁷Cs in the components of the snytevoy oak forest ecosystem EcoradOak_CS_FW was further developed, which now includes first- and second-order consumers. The radiocesium redistribution in a full-scale food web of   a forest ecosystem of the type “soil—vegetation cover—herbivores—predators” is modeled. The algorithm used in the model allows us to take into account the influence of soil, meteorological, phenological and physiological factors on the behavior of radionuclide in the food web and predict radiological situations under various conditions of radioactive fallout. Data   on the contamination of animals with radiocesium obtained using the model are used to calculate the dynamics of the internal dose. The results of modeling can be used in the rationing of forest products of deciduous forests. The model is also applicable to the study of potassium redistribution in the trophic chain of a deciduous forest ecosystem.

The article deals with issues related to the development of radioecology as an independent scientific discipline. The achievements of the past years, the studies that are currently being carried out, as well as promising areas of development in this area are analyzed. A corrected periodization of the stages of development of radioecology is proposed, taking into account the experience accumulated to date in the field of this discipline. At the initial stage (1895–1929:), empirical material was collected; at the first stage (1930–1960), the theoretical foundation was laid and radioecology was formed as an independent discipline; at the second stage (1961–1990), intensive development of radioecology was noted, and at the third stage (1991–2010) — progressive development of radioecology; the forth modern stage of radioecology development falls at the beginning of the twentieth century (2011 — present). For each stage the main scientific achievements and evolution of ideas in the field of radioecology are considered. It is postulated that at present the development of this discipline is associated with the further improvement of world nuclear technologies, the elimination of the consequences of a number of radiation incidents (the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, 2011), the revision of the concept of radiation protection of the environment and a number of other provisions. Particular attention is paid to forest radioecology, one of the most important main directions of this science.