Approaches to solving problems of theoretical radioecology. Review

The analysis of the existing problems in theoretical radioecology from the standpoint of ideas about radiocapacity is the purpose of the present work. Radiocapacity is highest level of radionuclide contamination, that does not cause changes in the functioning of either the biota on the whole or its individual components. Quantitative change in radiocapacity parameters gives a precise picture of the qualitative "well-being" of the biosystem. This problem is analyzed in a series of works of famous Ukrainian ecologist Yu. A. Kutlahmedov, synthesis of which, along with an overview of the work of other authors, are presented in the article. Theory of ecological systems radiocapacity is applied to establish a standard of the permissible of emissions and discharges of radionuclides into the environment, as well as to evaluate the ecological risks connected with their receipt in ecosystem. Using the mathematical apparatus possible limiting load of radionuclide contamination of biological systems is established. Heuristic of radiocapacity theory has been shown for its application to the real conditions of environmental pollution induced by various industrial processes. Based on experimental data concerning the influence of a number of related climatic, physical and chemical factors on the distribution and redistribution of radionuclides in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, it is suggested to use radiocapacity parameter not only for the evaluation of radionuclide contamination, but also for "equidosimetric unified" assessment of the biota load resulted from factors of various natures.