Science Links

Contacts

Catherine Barnett (analytical services)

Radioecology

The Radioecology Group was established in 1979 to study the movement and distribution of man-made radionuclides (radioactive isotopes such as caesium-137 and americian-241) in the environment. The main focus of studies initially was radionuclides derived from Sellafield nuclear power station. The research subsequently expanded to include the fate of the radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl accident, radioactive contamination of the Arctic and the nuclear test sites in Kazakhstan, post-accident management strategies, environmental protection and natural radionuclides.

Analytical services

Contact: Catherine Barnett

Radioecology scientists at CEH also provide an independent laboratory service to a range of customers from governmental agencies to the private sector.

A high-quality and customer-driven service is offered, including a multitude of analytical services ranging from the analysis of routine samples through to specific method development and problem solving.

There is a high level of experience within the group with a strong emphasis on high quality science. The group has also produced over 150 refereed scientific papers and has an international role through EC programmes and the International Atomic Energy Authority.

The Radiochemistry and Environmental Analysis laboratories are accredited through the UK Accreditation Service.

Our research

Led by Dr Brenda Howard, CEH's expertise is used in several areas:

To estimate environmental transfer and doses to plants and animals
To identify and quantify major pathways of radionuclide transfer in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems to improve dose assessment valuations
To develop and improve mechanistic models to describe the behaviour of radionuclides in these ecosystems
To integrate knowledge of radionuclide behaviour into spatial models to allow geographical variation in radionuclide mobility to be identified
To evaluate and develop countermeasures and remediation strategies to reduce exposure of both individuals and populations to radionuclides

Projects

CEH's Radioecology scientists are involved in a wide range of projects including:

Welcome to the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology