Assessment of Mercurity Toxicity Hazard Associated with Former Cinnabar Mining and Tailings Disposal in Honda Bay, Palawan
T M Williamd, J M Weeks, A Apostol, C Miranda
British Geological Survey
WC/96/31/R
Jason Winner, Conservation GIS Manager for Scenic Hudson presents on the new Sea Level Rise Mapper.
The mapper is a tool for communities and stakeholders to use to create visualizations of future scenarios of sea level rise. With these maps and information, Scenic Hudson is supporting communities' efforts to develop adaptation plans by helping them to:
- create maps of the extent and impacts of inundation and flood zone expansion
- understand the locations of key built and natural resources
- create graphics that illustrate different sea level rise scenarios in specific communities or stretches of the river
- estimate the risks to infrastructure and natural resources and the likelihoods of different inundation events
- develop alternative adaptation scenarios and weigh their cost and benefits with respect to built infrastructure and natural resources
** The Sea Level Rise Mapper can be found on Scenic Hudson's website at: http://www.scenichudson.org/slr/mapper
For more information, contact Jason Winner at Scenic Hudson at (845) 473-4440 ext 223, or jwinner@scenichudson.org
Assessment of Mercurity Toxicity Hazard Associated with Former Cinnabar Mining and Tailings Disposal in Honda Bay, Palawan
T M Williamd, J M Weeks, A Apostol, C Miranda
British Geological Survey
WC/96/31/R
Jason Winner, Conservation GIS Manager for Scenic Hudson presents on the new Sea Level Rise Mapper.
The mapper is a tool for communities and stakeholders to use to create visualizations of future scenarios of sea level rise. With these maps and information, Scenic Hudson is supporting communities' efforts to develop adaptation plans by helping them to:
- create maps of the extent and impacts of inundation and flood zone expansion
- understand the locations of key built and natural resources
- create graphics that illustrate different sea level rise scenarios in specific communities or stretches of the river
- estimate the risks to infrastructure and natural resources and the likelihoods of different inundation events
- develop alternative adaptation scenarios and weigh their cost and benefits with respect to built infrastructure and natural resources
** The Sea Level Rise Mapper can be found on Scenic Hudson's website at: http://www.scenichudson.org/slr/mapper
For more information, contact Jason Winner at Scenic Hudson at (845) 473-4440 ext 223, or jwinner@scenichudson.org
The carbon regeneration in the water column of
the Cariaco Basin (Venezuela) was investigated
using a regression model of total alkalinity (TA)
and the concentration of total inorganic carbon
(TCO2
). Primary productivity (PP) was determined
from the inorganic carbon fraction assimilated
by phytoplankton and the variation of the 22 and
23°C isotherm was used as an indicator of coastal
upwelling. The results indicate that CO2
levels were
lowest (1962 µmol/kg) at the surface and increased
to 2451 µmol/kg below the oxic-anoxic redox
interface. The vertical regeneration distribution of
carbon was dominated (82%) by organic carbon
originating from the soft tissue of photosynthetic
organisms, whereas 18% originated from the
dissolution of biogenic calcite. The regeneration
of organic carbon was highest in the surface layer
in agreement with the primary productivity values.
However, at the oxic-anoxic interface a second more
intense maximum was detected (70-80%), generated
by chemotrophic respiration of organic material
by microorganisms. The percentages in the anoxic
layers were lower than in the oxic zone because
aerobic decomposition occurs more rapidly than
anaerobic respiration of organic material because
more labile fractions of organic carbon have already
been mineralized in the upper layers.
The subject of studying the physical, chemical and biological conditions of oceans is called as Oceanography.
It is an inter-disciplinary subject and an emerging area for marine engineering. It is the science of seas and oceans.
Invited plenary talk given by Prof. Farid El-Daoushy at Inter. Radiation Protection Congress, Afrirpa-2010, Sept. 2010, Nairobi, Kenya.
This talk summarizes the sources, processes and fate of environmental radioactivity (natural and artificial) at the earth\'s surface. It links environmental radioactivity to radiation and environmental protection issues in Africa. The role of global and regional processes on the transport and accumulation of anthropogenic waste in complex ecosystems, e.g. the Nile Basin, are described. These issues help fulfilling the African mission and vision for achieving their golals: ONE PEOPLE, ONE GOAL, ONE FAITH.
The carbon regeneration in the water column of
the Cariaco Basin (Venezuela) was investigated
using a regression model of total alkalinity (TA)
and the concentration of total inorganic carbon
(TCO2). Primary productivity (PP) was determined
from the inorganic carbon fraction assimilated
by phytoplankton and the variation of the 22 and
23°C isotherm was used as an indicator of coastal
upwelling. The results indicate that CO2 levels were
lowest (1962 μmol/kg) at the surface and increased
to 2451 μmol/kg below the oxic-anoxic redox
interface. The vertical regeneration distribution of
carbon was dominated (82%) by organic carbon
originating from the soft tissue of photosynthetic
organisms, whereas 18% originated from the
dissolution of biogenic calcite. The regeneration
of organic carbon was highest in the surface layer
in agreement with the primary productivity values.
However, at the oxic-anoxic interface a second more
intense maximum was detected (70-80%), generated
by chemotrophic respiration of organic material
by microorganisms. The percentages in the anoxic
layers were lower than in the oxic zone because
aerobic decomposition occurs more rapidly than
anaerobic respiration of organic material because
more labile fractions of organic carbon have already
been mineralized in the upper layers.
The study of physical oceanography helps in understanding all these aspects in detail. Let us see most of these factors and processes in our future modules. Mathematical models of all these processes are also developed using these phenomena and mechanisms. The individual aspects of all the elements of physical oceanography are to be studied in detail.
Aquatic ecosystems are hot spots of most terrestrial biodiversity. They interact with their surrounding terrestrial area through food webs and habitat resources. The aquatic ecosystems also attract a wide range of other fauna including wading and migrating birds, amphibians, riparian mammals and insects. Furthermore, aquatic ecosystems have ability to recycle nutrients of wastewater. Despite many benefits they have, their potentiality in the rehabilitation of quarries is not well recognized. The recent effort on the rehabilitation of quarry site is mostly focused on terrestrial plants despite the fact that quarries life are heterogeneous ecosystems. Owing to this reason, there is a need of using the potential of aquatic ecosystems to enhance the rehabilitation of quarries sites. The present project is therefore focused on establishing the aquatic ecosystem at Wazo hill quarry.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Tanzania.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/potential-use-aquatic-ecosystems-enhancement-rehabilitation-mining-sites
The Green Bay Saga: Research for Management of a Freshwater EstuaryPaul A. Wozniak
Review of 40 years of research on the ecosystem of Green Bay, Lake Michigan, USA; prepared primarily by HJ "Bud" Harris, emeritus professor of ecoystems analysis, Univ of Wisconsin-Green Bay, with help from Paul A. Wozniak, Fox River historian
A resource document about strategies for low-impact development/green infrastructure techniques to effectively manage stormwater. Presented by Rich Claytor, engineer with Horsley Witten Group, during the Buzzards Bay Coalition's 2013 Decision Makers Workshop series. Learn more at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/DecisionMakers
Dr. Francis Chan's 2012-2014 Oregon Sea Grant-supported project, "Understanding, Forecasting and Communicating the Linkages Between Hypoxia and Ocean Acidification in Oregon's Coastal Ocean"
Save Our Environment, Stop Nuclear Energy UsageSourish Jana
Spread this presentation by sharing to everyone so that the adverse effect of Nuclear Fission can be stopped otherwise the end of the days after tomorrow will come soon.
The carbon regeneration in the water column of
the Cariaco Basin (Venezuela) was investigated
using a regression model of total alkalinity (TA)
and the concentration of total inorganic carbon
(TCO2
). Primary productivity (PP) was determined
from the inorganic carbon fraction assimilated
by phytoplankton and the variation of the 22 and
23°C isotherm was used as an indicator of coastal
upwelling. The results indicate that CO2
levels were
lowest (1962 µmol/kg) at the surface and increased
to 2451 µmol/kg below the oxic-anoxic redox
interface. The vertical regeneration distribution of
carbon was dominated (82%) by organic carbon
originating from the soft tissue of photosynthetic
organisms, whereas 18% originated from the
dissolution of biogenic calcite. The regeneration
of organic carbon was highest in the surface layer
in agreement with the primary productivity values.
However, at the oxic-anoxic interface a second more
intense maximum was detected (70-80%), generated
by chemotrophic respiration of organic material
by microorganisms. The percentages in the anoxic
layers were lower than in the oxic zone because
aerobic decomposition occurs more rapidly than
anaerobic respiration of organic material because
more labile fractions of organic carbon have already
been mineralized in the upper layers.
The subject of studying the physical, chemical and biological conditions of oceans is called as Oceanography.
It is an inter-disciplinary subject and an emerging area for marine engineering. It is the science of seas and oceans.
Invited plenary talk given by Prof. Farid El-Daoushy at Inter. Radiation Protection Congress, Afrirpa-2010, Sept. 2010, Nairobi, Kenya.
This talk summarizes the sources, processes and fate of environmental radioactivity (natural and artificial) at the earth\'s surface. It links environmental radioactivity to radiation and environmental protection issues in Africa. The role of global and regional processes on the transport and accumulation of anthropogenic waste in complex ecosystems, e.g. the Nile Basin, are described. These issues help fulfilling the African mission and vision for achieving their golals: ONE PEOPLE, ONE GOAL, ONE FAITH.
The carbon regeneration in the water column of
the Cariaco Basin (Venezuela) was investigated
using a regression model of total alkalinity (TA)
and the concentration of total inorganic carbon
(TCO2). Primary productivity (PP) was determined
from the inorganic carbon fraction assimilated
by phytoplankton and the variation of the 22 and
23°C isotherm was used as an indicator of coastal
upwelling. The results indicate that CO2 levels were
lowest (1962 μmol/kg) at the surface and increased
to 2451 μmol/kg below the oxic-anoxic redox
interface. The vertical regeneration distribution of
carbon was dominated (82%) by organic carbon
originating from the soft tissue of photosynthetic
organisms, whereas 18% originated from the
dissolution of biogenic calcite. The regeneration
of organic carbon was highest in the surface layer
in agreement with the primary productivity values.
However, at the oxic-anoxic interface a second more
intense maximum was detected (70-80%), generated
by chemotrophic respiration of organic material
by microorganisms. The percentages in the anoxic
layers were lower than in the oxic zone because
aerobic decomposition occurs more rapidly than
anaerobic respiration of organic material because
more labile fractions of organic carbon have already
been mineralized in the upper layers.
The study of physical oceanography helps in understanding all these aspects in detail. Let us see most of these factors and processes in our future modules. Mathematical models of all these processes are also developed using these phenomena and mechanisms. The individual aspects of all the elements of physical oceanography are to be studied in detail.
Aquatic ecosystems are hot spots of most terrestrial biodiversity. They interact with their surrounding terrestrial area through food webs and habitat resources. The aquatic ecosystems also attract a wide range of other fauna including wading and migrating birds, amphibians, riparian mammals and insects. Furthermore, aquatic ecosystems have ability to recycle nutrients of wastewater. Despite many benefits they have, their potentiality in the rehabilitation of quarries is not well recognized. The recent effort on the rehabilitation of quarry site is mostly focused on terrestrial plants despite the fact that quarries life are heterogeneous ecosystems. Owing to this reason, there is a need of using the potential of aquatic ecosystems to enhance the rehabilitation of quarries sites. The present project is therefore focused on establishing the aquatic ecosystem at Wazo hill quarry.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Tanzania.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/potential-use-aquatic-ecosystems-enhancement-rehabilitation-mining-sites
The Green Bay Saga: Research for Management of a Freshwater EstuaryPaul A. Wozniak
Review of 40 years of research on the ecosystem of Green Bay, Lake Michigan, USA; prepared primarily by HJ "Bud" Harris, emeritus professor of ecoystems analysis, Univ of Wisconsin-Green Bay, with help from Paul A. Wozniak, Fox River historian
A resource document about strategies for low-impact development/green infrastructure techniques to effectively manage stormwater. Presented by Rich Claytor, engineer with Horsley Witten Group, during the Buzzards Bay Coalition's 2013 Decision Makers Workshop series. Learn more at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/DecisionMakers
Dr. Francis Chan's 2012-2014 Oregon Sea Grant-supported project, "Understanding, Forecasting and Communicating the Linkages Between Hypoxia and Ocean Acidification in Oregon's Coastal Ocean"
Save Our Environment, Stop Nuclear Energy UsageSourish Jana
Spread this presentation by sharing to everyone so that the adverse effect of Nuclear Fission can be stopped otherwise the end of the days after tomorrow will come soon.
Environmental radioactivity, Audiovisual Introduction for kidsCesar Harada
Prepared by Cesar Harada for the Hong Kong Harbour School, Sept 6th 2014
Better google presentation with videos embedded : http://goo.gl/cKiFAE
Introduction to nuclear power, weapons and radioactive pollution in the environment for school kids. No science background required. We are trying to address the questions and anxieties kids may have about the nuclear power. We explain how we can contribute to a better understanding of radioactivity in the environment from a citizen science perspective.
CAUTION : some concepts and images may be shocking if not explained appropriately.
contact@cesarharada.com
Creative Commons 3.0 international, Attribution, Sharealike
The radioactive wastes retain their radioactivity and emit radiations which are harmful for the environment and its occupants. So they are to be handled and disposed carefully(i.e) isolating it from the environment.
Chemical and Physical Properties: Radioactivity & Radioisotopes ulcerd
Lecture materials for the Introductory Chemistry course for Forensic Scientists, University of Lincoln, UK. See http://forensicchemistry.lincoln.ac.uk/ for more details.
Detection of Radioactivity
Characteristics of the Three Types of Emission
Nuclear Reactions
Half-Life
Uses of Radioactive Isotopes Including Safety Precautions
Outline
1. Introduction
2. Physical Setting
a. Watershed, Airshed, Ocean Boundary
b. Estuary
c. Freshwater Inputs
3. Chemical Setting
a. Watershed, Airshed, Ocean Boundary
b. Estuary
c. Freshwater Inputs
4. Biological Setting
a. Watershed, Airshed, Ocean Boundary
b. Estuary
c. Freshwater Inputs
5. Anthropogenic Stresses (such as nutrient, contaminant, habitat
modification, harvesting of fish and shell fish, and corresponding
health of the estuary)
6. Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services – Swartkops Estuary
7. Resource Governance – National Legal Framework
8. Sustainable Management Plan Outline
a. Programmatic Work Plan (Three Phases)
I. Phase I – Baseline Understanding
II. Phase II – Protective Regulatory Framework
III. Phase III – Monitoring, Reporting, and Monthly Estuary
Bibliography
Barry Berejikian's presentation on Steelhead survival rates in Puget Sound, at the 2014 Nisqually Annual Program Review. Barry is a scientist for NOAA.
Mercury in the Global OceanPURPOSE USE THE NEWS The followinAbramMartino96
Mercury in the Global Ocean
PURPOSE: USE THE NEWS: The following assignment uses real world data and news sources. Check your understanding of the material and then offer a well-supported response.- 25 pts
Although the days of odd behavior among hat makers are a thing of the past, the dangers mercury poses to humans and the environment persist today.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element as well as a by-product of such distinctly human enterprises as burning coal and making cement. Estimates of “bioavailable” mercury—forms of the element that can be taken up by animals and humans—play an important role in everything from drafting an international treaty designed to protect humans and the environment from mercury emissions, to establishing public policies behind warnings about seafood consumption.
Yet surprisingly little is known about how much mercury in the environment is the result of human activity, or even how much bioavailable mercury exists in the global ocean. Until now.
A new paper by a group that includes researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Wright State University, Observatoire Midi-Pyréneés in France, and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research appears in this week’s edition of the journal Nature and provides the first direct calculation of mercury in the global ocean from pollution based on data obtained from 12 sampling cruises over the past 8 years. The work, which was funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the European Research Council and led by WHOI marine chemist Carl Lamborg, also provides a look at the global distribution of mercury in the marine environment.
“It would seem that, if we want to regulate the mercury emissions into the environment and in the food we eat, then we should first know how much is there and how much human activity is adding every year,” said Lamborg, who has been studying mercury for 24 years. “At the moment, however, there is no way to look at a water sample and tell the difference between mercury that came from pollution and mercury that came from natural sources. Now we have a way to at least separate the bulk contributions of natural and human sources over time.”
The group started by looking at data sets that offer detail about oceanic levels of phosphate, a substance that is both better studied than mercury and that behaves in much the same way in the ocean. Phosphate is a nutrient that, like mercury, is taken up into the marine food web by binding with organic material. By determining the ratio of phosphate to mercury in water deeper than 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) that has not been in contact with Earth’s atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution, the group was able to estimate mercury in the ocean that originated from natural sources such as the breakdown, or “weathering,” of rocks on land.
Their findings agreed with what they would expect to see given the known pattern of global ocean circulation. North Atlantic waters, for example, s ...
Water Worries -- Nitrogen From Septic Tanks, Fertilizer, Poor Sewage Treatmen...Save The Great South Bay
Prof Christopher Gobler of Stony Brook University, a global expert on algal blooms and their causes, presents his overview of Long Island's nitrogen pollution problem and how that is triggering destructive algal blooms throughout our bays. The main culprit? 500,000 septic tanks.
Biological oceanography gradually grew into a major scientific discipline with all these observations of marine organisms and their environments. In this episode, the following modules are highlighted:1. Nature of marine environment, 2. Classification of Marine environment, 3. Role of abiotic parameters on marine life, 4. Marine Flora , and 5. Marine Fauna.
Darryl Keith, EPA: "Hyperspectral Imager for Coastal Ocean Imagery & Ocean Protection (HICO)." Presented at the 2013 International Space Station Research and Development Conference, http://www.astronautical.org/issrdc/2013.
A new atlas, providing the most thorough audit of marine life in the Southern Ocean, is published this week by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). Leading marine biologists and oceanographers from all over the world spent the last four years compiling everything they know about ocean species from microbes to whales. It’s the first time that such an effort has been undertaken since 1969 when the American Society of Geography published its Antarctic Map Folio Series.
In an unprecedented international collaboration 147 scientists from 91 institutions across 22 countries (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the USA) combined their expertise and knowledge to produce the new Biogeographic Atlas of the Southern Ocean. More than 9000 species are recorded, ranging from microbes to whales. Hundreds of thousands of records show the extent of scientific knowledge on the distribution of life in the Southern Ocean. In 66 chapters, the scientists examine the evolution, physical environment, genetics and possible impact of climate change on marine organisms in the region.
Chief editor, Claude De Broyer, of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, said: “This is the first time that all the records of the unique Antarctic marine biodiversity, from the very beginnings of Antarctic exploration in the days of Captain Cook, have been compiled, analysed and mapped by the scientific community. It has resulted in a comprehensive atlas and an accessible database of useful information on the conservation of Antarctic marine life.”
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
Alert-driven Community-based Forest monitoring: A case of the Peruvian Amazon
Nuris 2015 final
1.
2. Slide 1
Late 1940’s/early 1950’s:
• In context of bomb material and “atoms for peace” Nuclear industry demands
to use PME become intense
• But total absence of any empirical data on behaviour and fate of radioactivity in
natural aquatic environments
• Oceanography in it’s infancy
•(scant data, poor technical resources)
• Nuclear industry in it’s infancy
•no operating experience of “commercial” scale reactors, reprocessors, fuel fabricators: only lab work on
behaviour & fate
3. Slide 2: Behaviour of sea discharged rad’-wastes:
the “JUSTIFYING HYPOTHESIS”
• With collusion of nuclear industry, IAEA and pro nuclear governments
conjured up a “justifying hypothesis” (despite total absence of empirical data)
which stated that:
• Soluble radio-nuclides: (Cs, H3, Tc etc)
Would dilute and disperse to infinity or background levels which will not harm
humans (incomplete list)
• In-soluble radio-nuclides: (Pu, Am, Cm etc)
Would bond to seabed sediments and remain “locked” there, sequestered from
humans (incomplete list)
* UK Government (supported by IAEA) used hypothesis to justify atmos’ & aquatic
discharges
• & commenced discharge of radioactive wastes to sea via pipelines (1952)
order in Council by Ministry of Supply (? )
4. Slide 3
• “Justifying Hypothesis”:post 1952
“J H” & its academic “outcomes”
• Becomes embedded as academic “description” of behaviour and fate of marine
radioactivity and is taught as such at Uni’ etc
• Emerging graduates enter “nuclear professions”
• Work experianced graduates enter (or are seconded from “nuclear professions”)
to govt depts & regulating agencies
• “JH” & “outcomes” fully integrated in to all levels of “nuclear thinking”
Despite 1958 UKAEA confirmation that sea discharges to the Irish Sea had been
part of an “ongoing experiment” intended to discover how the radioactivity
would behave
5. Slide 4: Assumptions re liquid wastes
Due to Hypothetical
• assumed dilution/dispersal & reduction of solubles to “background” or “infinity”
• assumed “sequestration” of “insolubles”and subsequent very limited mobility in marine
environments
General assumption 1:
• Assumed Highest levels in marine environment will occur closest to point of discharge
General assumption 2= sea discharged rad’ wastes only deliver doses to:
• Seafood eaters (fish, shellfish, and seaweeds) dietary dose
• Marine workers (fishermen) contact skin doses
• Sportsmen (anglers, sailors, surfers) contact & small ingestion doses
• Users of foreshore/intertidal: “Background”: whole body gamma doses
Thus assumed that
• The major dose pathways occur close to point sources
• The only Coastal “Critical Groups” occur close to point sources
• Aquatic environment monitoring established with focus on these parameters
6. Slide 5: Marine, coastal, & estuarine monitoring
• Site related coastal/estuarine monitoring intended to:
• “provide indicators of radio-nuclide dispersion around each site”
• “establish long term trends in concentrations of radioactivity” (near field & “at
distance”)
• “results are used to assess dose to public” (ie model)
• “ensure compliance with statutory dose limits”
• “confirm safety of the food chain”
• Rife reports
7. Slide 6: Site related aquatic environment monitoring “restraints”
• Restraint of hypothesis (which pre-dictates course of action)
• Lack of oceanographic knowledge
• Lack of nuclide knowledge
• (only 24 nuclides with any significant research on behaviour & fate in aquatic environments)
• Restraint of human resources (manpower, financial input, Health & Safety)
• Environmental restraints (sea states, meteorology, etc)
8. Slide 7: UK Annual site related coastal monitoring protocols
(UK RIFE reports)
• Very small sample numbers (2 to 4 p.a.)
• Very small nuclide numbers (rarely more than 10 of 60: generally less than 10)
• Poor sample choice (fish, sediment sites , water column movement)
RIFE reports
Failure to record environmental conditions at time of sampling
• Sea states, Ambient meteorology, Ambient tidal condition, Seasonality
RIFE reports
Failure to respond to specific incidents (coastal flooding etc)
On the basis of this: incomplete data dose rates to UK identified Coastal
Critical Groups, via identified pathways, are “assessed” (modelled)
9. Slide 8:“Official” (Nuclear Industry, and pro-nuke Gov’t Agencies”) “ongoing
experiment” research outcomes: post 1960s
“orthodox” work has confirmed that:
Soluble radio-nuclides:
• do NOT dilute and disperse to “infinity”or “background”
• travel extensively in marine water columns
• re-concentrate in marine biota, marine and estuarine sediments, sea spray and
marine aerosols
• Transfer from sea to land by variety of mechanisms
In-soluble radio-nuclides
* do NOT remain bonded to seabed sediments near discharge point
• travel extensively in marine water columns
• re-concentrate in marine biota, marine and estuarine sediments, sea spray and
marine aerosols (EFs = 450 + for Am 241)
• Transfer from the sea to the land by variety of mechanisms
And thus demonstrates that original HYPOTHESIS is flawed
10. Slide 9: Official research effort 1: water column transport: 1970’s 7 80’s
• Long distant transport of soluble and insoluble rad wastes through water
column now widely attested (UK sea discharged Cs and Pu detected N.E Atlantic,Arctic, N.Pacific)
• MAFF : Re-concentration [Cs, Pu] observed in Irt/Esk estuary fine
sediments (10/12 km south of Sellafield pipe)
• MAFF : Sea to land transfer of nuclides observed (flooding: high tide and
storm surge events) : Pu in house dust at Ravenglas, sheepmeat, local produce
……………………………………………………………………………….
• AERE late 70s (published 80’s): Marine enrichments ( Pu, Am and Cs)
observed in microlayers, sea-spray, aerosol (Pu EFS= 26,000 algal blooms)
• Sea to land transfer (Pu’s, Am and Cs) in seaspray and aerosols across the surf
line observed (Am EFs = +812)
• BUT extent of inland penetration NOT measured,
• AND measuring devices not efficient & data NOT appropriate for any
quantification work
11. Slide 10: Flawed Official research effort : impact sea to land transfer
*Since early 90’s: RIFE reports modified to comment on inhalation doses from sea to
land transfer, and now state that
• levels of radioactivity in marine environments “give rise to only very minor
exposures to the public following inhalation of re-suspended particulates
including those from the surf line”
• But: review shows that reference is 1981 IAEA paper which
1: studied only 1 Cs and 1 Pu
2: used inefficient equipment NOT appropriate for any quantification
3: used outmoded 1979 ICRP values (annual effective dose equivalent limit 5msv)
4: Pre-ceded 1986 ICRP limit = 1msv and 1987 UK NRPB “interim guidance”
=0.5msv
5: no later corrections/updates
* Lacking scientific rigour & cannot possibly quantify ACTUAL inhalation dose
or acquire data relevant to other pathways
12.
13. Slide 11: Flawed official research: estuarine monitoring
Since start of official monitoring: no “inland” ESTUARINE fine sediments
studied
But “Independent” research finds:
1: Teifi Estuary: West Wales (200km from source) 1986 (I.S.P)
Cs 137 Bq/Kg Am 241 Bq/Kg
seaward 5.2 2.8
inland 54.0 10.5
EF x10 x5
(still no official monitoring as of 2015)
2: Cree Estuary: Solway Coast: Scotland (50kms from source) 1985
Cs 137 Bq/Kg Am 2412 Bq/Kg
seaward 310 87 (MAFF)
inland 2982 715 EF
x9 x8(RSPW)
(no change in monitoring protocol as of 2015)
14. Slide 12: Nothing changes
As of 2015: no change to national marine, coastal, estuarine monitoring
programme to reflect new knowledge of:
• “Independent” reported estuarine parameters
• long distant transport
• “distant” sequestration
• “distant” re-concentration
• Sea to land transfer mechanisms
• Potential for new dose pathways
• Potential for new Coastal Critical Groups
• “Orthodox” position remains based on HYPOTHESIS despite evidence to
the contrary
16. Slide 13: Environmental behaviour: Independent case study 1:inundation
Towyn: Feb1990 Storm surge
*Extensive flooding of coastal strip (houses, caravans, business premises,
public spaces)
• Delivers several hundred tons of marine sediment deposited on land
*Over 50% (8 of 14) of sediment samples tested positive for alpha/actinide
Americium 241 10X Generalised Derived Limit for urban areas
*Consultant stated that given the context of Am 241 conc’s, then Plutonium
certainly present & levels “quite probably” also exceeded
*Consultant stated that “when sediments dry out, there is a possible risk of
radiation hazard due to the inhalation of radioactive dust”
• Clean up = several months
17.
18. slide 14 Independent Case Study: Sea spray/aerosol
Dyfed CC RADMID (1987/88):
* radioactivity monitoring in west Wales coastal zone
Sellafield derived (sea discharged) Cs 137 and Cs 134 found 10 miles inland on
pasture grass (proposed carried inland in sea spray during heavy onshore
winds/storms)……(first & only time 10 miles used) [lichens]
* demonstrated entry of sea derived rad to coastal zone meat stock and dairy
food chain
* Inevitable contamination of arable/horticultural crops/produce
* inevitable dietary dose (marine rad’) to humans via ingestion of terrestrial
produce
* Strongly implies dose to humans via inhalation of airborne Cs
Given presence of Cs :
presence of sea to land transferred Am and Pu likely
N.B.
Authorities won’t sample for sea to land transfer 10 miles inland
19. Slide 15: Independent Case study : Comparative Diet Study
Case study 2: sea spray/aerosol & terrestrial diet
*Kingsbridge: 1987 MAFF dietary comparison study
Found that residents of South Devon estuary (believed to be“remote” from
nuclear sites) consumed higher levels of dietary radioactivity (7 nuclides
discharged from nuclear sites) in their local terrestrial food produce than a
similar group living next to the Hinkley Point NPS on the Somerset coast
Un-challenged review of this study found that the Kingsbridge dietary excess
was due to radioactive Cobalt 60, transported (adsorbed to mobile sediments)
from the Devonport nuclear submarine base 30 kms distant by sea and then
transferred from the sea to the land where it contaminated the terrestrial
foodstuffs.
22. Slide 16 Independent case study : Sea spray/aerosol & terrestrial diet
Hebridean island: 29 kms diameter: pre Chernobyl study (BMJ 1991):
ONLY EMPIRICAL DATA ON UK DOSES of sea to land transfer
poss’ only empirical UK study on ANY marine doses: (413 patients)
• N. Uist terrestrial environment saturated with Sellafield sea discharged Cs 137
& 134 (200+km distant)
• contamination of every island terrestrial produce sampled (dairy, meat, vegetables,
eggs, fruit)
• islanders consuming highest percentage of Island grown foodstuffs = highest
body burdens of marine sourced Caesium
• Highest individual dose: terrestrial produce consumer who ate no fish
• Dietary doses of marine rad’ from LAND foods is higher than dietary doses of
marine rad’ in SEA foods
23. Slide 17 : Hebridean Islands
• Average islander dietary dose marine rad from LAND foods, from CS 137
alone, exceeds the average dietary dose marine rad’ from SEA foods (multiple
nuclides) to Critical Groups living close to some nuclear sites
• Uist av dose from 1 nuclide Cs 137 =13.7 microSv, (empirical)
• Hunterstoun av’ seafood dose from 17 nuclides = 30 microSv (modelled)
• Chapelcross av’ seafood dose from 12 nuclides =20 microSv (modelled)
• Wylfa av’ seafood dose from 11 nuclides =10 microSv (modelled)
• If Cs transferring to land in such quantities then other radio nuclides inevitably
present (Pu & Am locally present)
• “upstream” discharge sources also present
• Inhalation implied
• From these figures it may be deduced that “Orthodox” Coastal Critical Group
identification is deeply flawed
• N.B.: Hebridean wide cancer stats suggest elevated cancers (stomach, bowel, colon etc)
24. The official research effort: summary of weaknesses
•Despite the emergence of new evidence about the behaviour and fate of
radioactivity in coastal and estuarine environments, there has been no significant
change in the marine/coastal sampling programme to take account of:
•Estuarine fine sediment re-concentration
•Intensity and ubiquity of sea to land transfer mechanism
•Sea to land transfer pathways of exposure
•Terrestrial dietary doses of marine radioactivity
•Terrestrial “inhalation” doses of marine radioactivity
•Evidential emergence of “distant “ Critical Groups
(islanders, peninsular populations, populations living in high risk “marine” flood areas, pops living in coastal zones facing
prevailing winds, coastal zones with anthropogenic rad inputs and high turbidity)
With reference to the radiological sampling and monitoring and analytical
programmes nothing has changed and to all intents and purposes (as far as
government regulators and industry are concerned) the original hypothesis stands
25. Highest dose potential (marine radioactivity) conditions for
coastal residents (independent)
• Peak (pulsed) discharges
• Climate change (sea level rise, increased storminess, excess rainfall)
• Heavy fluvial flooding re-suspends estuarine deposits
• Extreme winter weather re-suspends coastal & seabed fine sediment deposits
• = Increased water column rad
• Storm surge/excess high tide = inundation
• Strong prolonged on-shore winds + High seas/big surf/heavy sea = increased
spray & aerosol production
• Agricultural/horticultural production/harvest/consumption peak
• Poor official monitoring and analytical effort means that the
radiological outcome of such conditions are not recorded
• Linear No Dose Threshold
26. slide 20 “Critical Groups”
Coastal Critical Groups = those, in a given area, likely to receive the highest doses
Industry & regulator pathways for doses from sea discharge:
* Dietary: sea food, occupancy, skin contact (but only from “at-sea” or
“shoreline”)
“Independent” pathways for doses from sea discharge
*Dietary: coastal terrestrial produce, inhalation (sea spray, aerosols,
mists/fog/evaporation, suspended particles) dietary: sea foods, skin contact,
occupancy,)
Sea to Land Transfer case studies relevant to European coastal zone
1: RADMID 10 miles inland penetration of marine rads
2: Devonport sea to land transfer
3: Hebridean islanders: elevated doses of marine Cs 137 in terrestrial diet: average dose of
marine Cs 137 alone from terrestrial produce higher than doses of multiple radio isotopes
received by some seafood Critical Groups at nuclear sites
4: inundation events (storm surge, “tsunami”, super-tides, fluvial/estuary events)
27. Slide 21: Conclusions
Industry and pro industry entities research based on
* False hypothesis
• inappropriate field work, strong emphasis on
“modelled” data
• modelled data flawed due inappropriate field work
Independent research based on
• greater degree of empirical evidence
• field work based on more relevant protocols
28. Slide 22: Conclusions
• Academic & independent research outcomes are anomalous to those of
industry and pro nuclear governments & agencies
• Urgent need to lay aside Justifying Hypothesis and construct one that
actually reflects empirical evidence
• Urgent need to re-visit & re-assess Coastal critical group ID on basis of
empirical evidence
• Urgent need to revisit & re-assess (marine rad) exposure pathways ID on
basis of empirical evidence
• Urgent need to reduce dose modelling and to increase dose empirical
evidence on radio-nuclide uptake and ACTUAL doses