Interaction matrices: a dynamic conceptual model to describe the 137Cs behavior in a grassland ecosystem.

VELASCO, RH; JURY AYUB, J; BELLI, M.; SANSONE, U.

JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

Springer

Lugar: Budapest; Año: 2006 vol. 268 p. 503 - 509

0236-5731

Interaction matrices, an expert semi quantitative method to identify the multiple interactions among biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems, can be considered as a useful tool to develop conceptual models of radionuclides behavior in the environment. This systematic approach facilitates a comprehensible  identification of the main radionuclide migration pathways and permits to classify the role of  the different ecosystem components in term of cause-effect relationships. The method was applied to study the radiocaesium migration processes in grassland ecosystems affected by the Chernobyl  137Cs deposition. Interaction matrices have been simultaneously  utilized to explore the dynamic changes on the radiocaesium migration pathways and to contrast the consequence of the different radiation exposure paths to living organisms.