How geostatistics can help in predicting the level of radioactive contamination of cereals

Titre du congrès :geoENV 2006 - 6th International Conference on Geostatistics for Environmental Applications
Ville du congrès :Rhodes
Date du congrès :25/10/2006

The study was devoted to the identification of the spatial parameters that contribute mainly to the assessment of the vulnerability of cereals in the context of accidental discharges of radioactivity into the environment. Linking an agronomical model and a radioecological model highlighted first that the flowering date was the main parameter, since it détermines the beginning of an exponential transfer of contaminants from the leaves of cereal plants to the edible part, the grain. Secondly, yield also appeared to be an important parameter as it allows the quantification of the number of contaminated products. The spatial statistical analysis performed on the yield data allowed the création of vulnerability maps with clear spatial trends, which can facilitate the management of risks associated with radioactive contamination of cereals during the post-accidental phase.