Tools based on nuclear and isotopic techniques for the management of threatened coastal ecosystems

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dc.contributor.authorSzymczak, Ren_AU
dc.date.accessioned2010-04-13en_AU
dc.date.accessioned2010-04-30T05:08:23Zen_AU
dc.date.available2010-04-13en_AU
dc.date.available2010-04-30T05:08:23Zen_AU
dc.date.issued2009-10en_AU
dc.date.statistics2009-10en_AU
dc.description.abstractElucidation of in situ environmental processes is the key to effective ecosystem management. However, due to the complexity of coastal ecosystems, few tools are available to determine the inter-relationships and rates of these events. It is only when all of the important variables are understood and computationally described that effective ecological risk analysis can be accomplished. Model packages already exist which describe and predict specific coastal processes and further refinement of subroutines and user-interfaces has some value; however the truly significant advances lie in synergistic integration of different codes. Predictive ecological risk analysis requires transport models predicting contaminant concentrations under a range of environmental scenarios and bioaccumulation and trophic-transfer models using keystone species (or critical groups) identified by models elucidating trophic structure. In an attempt to elucidate natural processes, or solve environmental problems, stable and radioisotope tracers have a number of advantages over conventional techniques. Stable isotope studies replace visual observations of prey-predator interactions with statistically interpretable chemical data. Radiotracers provide real time kinetic data on uptake and transfer of specific contaminants and environmental transport processes. The unique assemblage and application of these nuclear and isotopic environmental probes will greatly assist in effective ecological risk assessment of present situations and the resource-economic evaluation of proposed management options. The nuclear-based technologies developed from studies undertaken in the Sydney (Australia) environs are transferred to developing countries via the IAEA/Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA) Project: Improving Regional Capacity for Assessment, Planning and Responding to Aquatic Environmental Emergencies (RAS/8/095). The IAEA Project objectives were to improve the regional capacity for the management of aquatic radiological and environmental risks and to develop capabilities in the RCA countries to assess, plan and respond to pollution events in aquatic environments. Expert missions supported national projects in individual Member States, further developing and transferring skills and technologies. © 2009, Taylor & Francis Ltd.en_AU
dc.identifier.citationSzymczak, R. (2009). Tools based on nuclear and isotopic techniques for the management of threatened coastal ecosystems. Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, 12(4), 409-417. doi:10.1080/14634980903354767en_AU
dc.identifier.govdoc1539en_AU
dc.identifier.issn1463-4988en_AU
dc.identifier.issue4en_AU
dc.identifier.journaltitleAquatic Ecosystem Health & Managementen_AU
dc.identifier.pagination409-417en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttp://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14634980903354767en_AU
dc.identifier.urihttp://apo.ansto.gov.au/dspace/handle/10238/3153en_AU
dc.identifier.volume12en_AU
dc.language.isoenen_AU
dc.publisherTaylor & Francisen_AU
dc.subjectCoastal regionsen_AU
dc.subjectEcosystemsen_AU
dc.subjectIAEAen_AU
dc.subjectRisk assessmenten_AU
dc.subjectCoastal zone management actsen_AU
dc.subjectSimulationen_AU
dc.titleTools based on nuclear and isotopic techniques for the management of threatened coastal ecosystemsen_AU
dc.typeJournal Articleen_AU
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