BDAC Database

Purpose

Welcome to the Biota Dose Assessment Database (BDAD). This preliminary, prototype database provides access to a compilation of environmental parameter data which are typically required as input to methods and models used for evaluating radiation doses to biota. This database was developed as a resource for: (1) conducting site-specific screening and dose assessments using the DOE Graded Approach for Evaluating Radiation Doses to Aquatic and Terrestrial Biota (DOE Technical Standard; Project No. ENVR 0011); and (2) as an open resource to support all users of other dose models and methodologies requiring environmental parameter data. The following parameters are currently available:

• Bioaccumulation Factors
• Distribution Coefficients

Rationale

Environmental parameter data are usually required as input to methods and models used for calculating doses to biota. Dose assessors must rely on environmental parameter data available as default values in existing computer codes, or available after searching through numerous individual publications. Users may by developing their own site-specific parameters—often requiring laborious research, because they are unaware of existing data which may already be representative of their site conditions. For these reasons, a single, easily accessible compilation of environmental parameter data would serve as a valuable resource to dose assessors.

Features

The database is being developed by the Office of Nuclear Safety and Environment with assistance from the Department's Biota Dose Assessment Committee (click here for the BDAC Charter). The database was originally built using Microsoft™ Access, then converted and currently maintained as a Web-accessible database using Cold Fusion™ Software. The database contains a range of environmental parameter data, to include distribution coefficients (K_ds), bioconcentration factors (B_ivs), and their references. For parameters obtained from unpublished sources, PDF versions of this documentation are provided. Users can search by multiple attributes such as element/nuclide, parameter, reference-author, taxonomic group, organism type, and soil type. Maximum, minimum, and median values for selected parameters are also obtainable. The database was designed for easy access, with features that allow for easy editing of existing data, and for the addition of new parameter data—which can be entered via the Internet directly by the users.

Please contact Stephen Domotor (HS-22), Kathy Higley (Oregon State University) or Fred Baes (ORNL) for additional information concerning the database.