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An Evaluation of the Use of Ratios in Environmental Transuranic Studies
Author(s) -
Doctor Pamela G.,
Gilbert Richard O.,
Pinder John E.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1980.00472425000900040001x
Subject(s) - statistics , multiplicative function , isotopic ratio , mathematics , transuranium element , radionuclide , environmental science , chemistry , isotope , radiochemistry , plutonium , nuclear physics , physics , mathematical analysis
This paper discusses statistical aspects of two types of ratios, concentrations and pure ratios, that are used extensively in environmental transuranic studies and have different uses and different statistical problems. A concentration gives units of numerator (Y) per unit of denominator (X), for example nCi of 238 Pu per gram of soil, where Y is assumed to be proportional to X. The choice of aliquot size permitting a reliable estimate of concentration is a major problem with this type of ratio. For a pure ratio the numerator and denominator are measured in the same units, for example nCi of 238 Pu over nCi of 139 Pu. Pure ratios often appear as a ratio of concentrations: for example, concentration ratios and inventory ratios. However, pure ratios provide accurate information on the relationship between Y and X only when Y is proportional to X. The statistical problems of pure ratios center on an assessment of whether the multiplicative assumption is valid. Multivariate statistical techniques offer alternatives to a pure ratio for expressing the relationship between Y and X. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate critical thinking about the use of ratios and to suggest approaches to the task of ratio estimation compatible with the behavior of environmental radionuclide data.