Radioecology

Radioactivity in the Environment

Radiation is naturally present in the environment. However additional sources include discharges from nuclear and non-nuclear sites, both authorised and as a result of accidents such as those at Chernobyl and Fukushima. In addition to nuclear power generation, many organisations in the UK use radioactive materials, resulting in authorised releases of radioactive substances into the environment. Legacy waste also exists from more than 50 years of nuclear power generation and industrial uses of radioactive substances (e.g. radium dials).

There is therefore a need to predict: the transport and behaviour of radioactive substances released into the environment, the transfer of radionuclides to human foodstuffs and wildlife, and understand the impacts of radioactive contamination on humans and the environment.

Radioecology

Radioecology is the study of the behaviour of radioactive elements in the environment and measures exposure to radiation of humans and other organisms. CEH has a well-established international reputation in radioecology research.

There is a high level of experience within the Radioecology group with a strong emphasis on world class science. There is good interaction with other CEH scientists to bring a multi-disciplinary approach to our radioecological studies. The group has produced more than 200 refereed scientific papers and has international impact through European programmes and involvement in International Atomic Energy Agency programmes.

Current CEH Research

CEH researchers lead in creating and testing tools and approaches to assess the exposure of wildlife to ionising radiation.

Current research also focuses on establishing transfer parameters for application in models for human foodstuffs and wildlife.

CEH expertise also includes monitoring and managing food production systems following the release of radioactive material into the environment, including the development of countermeasures to reduce the entry of radioactivity into the food chain.

In the aftermath of the accident at the Fukushima nuclear complex in March 2011, CEH has produced focused review papers, analysed samples from across Great Britain for Fukushima fallout and has been collaborating with Japanese scientists on contamination of farm animals.

CEH Data

Datasets generated by the Radioecology group are being made available on the CEH Information Gateway.

Discover more about CEH's radioecology expertise: how we deliver impact to business and policy through research, our analytical facilities, and key partnerships.