A systematic approach to the migration of 137Cs in forest ecosystems using interaction matrices

The migration of radionuclides in the environment is complex and involves multiple biotic and abiotic components and interactions. When developing conceptual and mathematical models of such processes, there is a risk that important components and interactions are omitted or underestimated. This risk can be reduced if a systematic approach to model development is applied. In this paper, a systematic method using interaction matrices is applied for development of a conceptual model of the migration of 137Cs in forest ecosystems. A method for derivation of the most dominant radionuclide migration pathways in the system is proposed. This method is illustrated by a pathway analysis of 137Cs accumulation by fungi. The application of interaction matrices for studies of cause–effect relationships, for showing the state of knowledge and for identification of research priorities is also discussed.