Comparison of mechanistic and PLS-based regression models to predict radiocaesium distribution coefficients in soils

► Mechanistic and PLS-based models are compared to predict the Kd(Cs) in soils ► A simple mechanistic model is proposed, based on clay content and K status in the soils. ► The PLS calibration model is constructed with 20 soil variables and 30 soils. ► The external validation of the PLS model confirms its robustness and validity. ► Both models succeed in predicting Kd(Cs) with no bias.