Estimating and predicting chemical potentials, distributions, speciation modes and mobilities of radiometals in soil, water and biomass

Using a method from coordination chemistry, which is linked to ligand field theory, the interaction of (binding of) metal ions with biomass is described and put to quantitative scales including bioconcentration factors for a given living being. This can be extended to radionuclides and biological exposure to them. Fractionation of radionuclides from fission in biomass is discussed in examples from various taxonomic groups, also touching issues of possible human exposure.

► 3 empirical parameters link complex formation and BCF, parameter lists given. ► Chemical potentials and BCF values of metal ions can be derived from above parameters. ► Systematic BCF interspecies comparison method used for exposure risk estimates. ► Analysis of data from empirical element partition studies (plants, human milk). ► Analysis of likely Oklo Biogeochemistry and implications for RN waste withholding.