Application Of High Resolution Satellite Data And GIS For Assessing Nuclear Radiological Impact On Environment

Paper number

IAC-07-B1.6.07

Author

Dr. Manavalan Perumal, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India

Coauthor

Coauthor

Dr. Venkatesan R, India

Coauthor

Dr. Indira R, India

Coauthor

Mr. PG Diwakar, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India

Year

2007

Abstract

Assessment of radiological impact to man and environment is crucial, in case of an inadvertent release of nuclear radioisotopes under accidental condition. At present, the interaction of radioactive isotopes and subsequent pathways, for the ultimate impact is little understood.  In India, the existing practices for environmental impact assessment are based on methodologies evolved about a decade ago and to satisfy the safety criteria, a conservative approach is adopted with large safety margins. It becomes effective and realistic when spatial data on terrain characteristics are generated and used for siting as well as monitoring. Studies carried out in the past have identified the crux area of the utility of satellite data based spatial information, for a realistic environmental impact assessment. 
   This study focuses on generating impact scenarios for a typical complex nuclear site at Kalpakkam. Scene based standard data products of Cartosat mono of February 2006 and IRS LISS 4 of July 2006 are processed for the study.  Sector wise characterisation of the emergency planning zone, in terms of landuse/landcover is made. By analysing satellite data, landuse/landcover categories predominant in the region are identified and spatial maps of roads, built-up/settlements, water bodies,tank/canal commands, plantations, non command agricultural lands and sandy beach/scrub lands are prepared using GIS. 
   Spatial database on landuse/landcover is used as basic input for assessing radiological impact caused through various pathways. Appropriate dispersion model is employed, to simulate the deposition pattern in case of an air borne release. Annual wind field vectors that prevail over the study site are used in the model. Different pathways for specific isotopes are then identified for each sector and a matrix of information is created. Subsequently, environmental impact in terms of radiological doses is modeled. As a case study, particle trajectory and dispersion model developed at IGCAR is used to generate the deposition pattern for two typically prominent radionuclides namely, Iodine-131 and Cesium-137. Results are presented as sector wise  radiological impact scenarios.

Abstract document

IAC-07-B1.6.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-B1.6.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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