Development, Testing and Harmonization of Models and Data for Radiological Impact Assessments (MODARIA II) 2 November 2016 FAO/IAEA NARO Technical Workshop Remediation of Radioactive Contamination in Agriculture Carl Blackburn
Joint FAO/IAEA Division Mandate Nuclear & Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response (Food & Agriculture) Prepare for and respond to nuclear and radiological events affecting food and agriculture Help Member States to develop and implement agricultural countermeasures to minimize the impact of nuclear emergencies on food security Advise government on acceptable levels of radionuclides for agricultural products entering national and international trade
Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Legal framework for intra- and interagency cooperation Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency Joint Radiation Emergency Management Plan of the International Organizations (JPLAN) FAO/IAEA Cooperative Arrangements Inter Agency Committee on Radiological and Nuclear Emergencies (IACRNE) International Exercises
Joint FAO/IAEA Supports Major contamination event Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Remediation Policy advice + Technical assistance Strategic research and development Transferring and implementing solutions Need to regain agricultural productivity
National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) The NARO is the core R&D institution in Japan for agriculture and food. Implements and promotes research and development to: (1) Strengthen agricultural production and farm management; (2) Develop new cultivars and agricultural products (innovation and strengthening agriculture rural development); (3) Produce high quality food and ensure reliability of agricultural products; and (4) Resolve agro environmental issues and contribute to the sustainable use of resources.
FAO/IAEA NARO Technical Workshop on Remediation of Radioactive Contamination in Agriculture 17 18 October 2016, IAEA Vienna, Austria Aims Strengthen understanding of remediation measures applicable to food and agriculture after major nuclear and radiological emergencies. Highlight the experience gained in the remediation of radioactive contamination in agriculture, and facilitation of a broader understanding of practical remediation methods.
Technical Workshop Two day technical meeting 30 years after Chernobyl and 5 years after F1 Presentations and discussions Opening Session Plenary Sessions Technical Sessions 1. Agricultural Land and Water 2. Plant and Crop Products 3. Animals and Animal Feeds 4. Food and Commodities (Post Harvest) 5. Socio economic aspects Closing
Preliminary Conclusions 1. Residual levels of radioactivity can persist for a long time following a nuclear emergency. Agriculture, fisheries and forests are vulnerable. Although low probability events such emergencies are high impact. 2. The psychological impact of contamination in agriculture should not be over looked. Remediation not only improves radiation safety (reduces dose) and increases economic productivity it also lifts moral. 3. Many different remediation methods have been developed and used in practice. Mainly following two large NPP accidents (and to address residual levels of caesium 137 contamination).
Preliminary Conclusions continued 4. There is a need to preserve and maintain the research and technology developed post Chernobyl NPP and Fukushima Daiichi NPP accidents to remediate radioactive contamination in agriculture. 5. In the 25 years that elapsed between the Chernobyl NPP and Fukushima Daiichi NPP accidents, the internet and social media have brought about a fundamental shift in how information can be presented and accessed.
Preliminary Recommendations 1. The ability to monitor and map radioactivity in agriculture is fundamental, systems and protocols need to be available for countries to adopt and develop. 2. A network of specialists who are expert in different aspects of remediation of radioactive contamination in agriculture should be established so that know how can be maintained, improved and transferred to others.
Preliminary Recommendations cont. 3. Research and development in the remediation of radioactive contamination in agriculture is a specialist area and needs to be supported and encouraged, not only by IAEA and FAO but also by the UN family organizations. Capacity building is also important to ensure that the knowhow is transferred to other countries and maintained 4. Know how on remediation and the provision of such procedures in official emergency (disaster) management plans should be encouraged. 5. Remediation activities need to involve local stakeholders (farmers, fishers etc.) and the community as a whole.
Technical Observations The initial limitation and restriction of contaminated food, milk, water and animal feed can successfully and substantially reduce internal doses to the population. The early application of suitable remediation measures can also substantially reduce internal doses to the population.
Technical Observations continued The dynamics of Cs in the agricultural environment is important for the long term. Removal of contaminated soil and plants very effective. However, may create large amounts of soil and biomass may not be appropriate in all situations. The behavior or Cs in soil depends on soil type, mineral and organic content. Soil to plant transfer can be regulated by potassium (in case of Cs). Also need to consider Cs transfer factors (TFs) for different crop species [and varieties]. Phytoremediation is not recommended. Alternative crop production (biofuel, ornamental plants, fiber, etc. in place of food) is also an alternative remediation measure. However, this may force communities to abandon their traditional culture. The addition of Cs binders into animal feed is effective at decreasing contamination in milk and meat. Food processing and preparation methods can also further decrease radioactivity in the diet.
Technical Observations Communication and engagement with producers and others in the local community is important as is stimulating community area based development. Establishing and working to clear numerical limits (e.g. Bq/kg) is necessary. Standard setting is important, especially where radioactive contamination affects agriculture in neighbouring countries.
IAEA Assessment Food Products As reported by the authorities in Japan, national regulatory limits for radionuclides of caesium remain in place. A comprehensive surveillance system is in place for the monitoring of food, including seafood, in order to ensure that caesium radionuclide levels in the food supply are within these limits. Food production areas in which food is found to be above these limits are subject to restrictions to prevent food above these limits from entering into the food supply chain., the situation with regard to food, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. Measurements of caesium radionuclide levels in foodstuffs, together with appropriate regulatory action and the publication of monitoring results, are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with food sampling and monitoring. This indicates the continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade.., the Joint FAO/IAEA Division understands that the measures taken to monitor and respond to issues regarding radionuclide contamination of food are appropriate, and that the food supply chain is controlled effectively by the relevant authorities.
Thank you