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Project title

Radioactivity in the Irish Coastal Environment

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT)

Lead Applicant

Claire Keary

Project Abstract

The aim of the project is to provide a status update on artificial radioactivity levels in the Irish coastal environment by revisiting some of the sites from previous surveys carried out in the 1980s and 1990s whilst, at the same time, widening the scope of these surveys to include a range of natural radionuclides with a view to establish a baseline with which to assess future concentrations. Additional sample locations subject to, or potentially subject to the accumulation of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), such as ports and harbours, will be identified and included in the sampling. The project will seek to develop robust and accurate methods for the determination of natural radionuclides by high-resolution gamma spectrometry, and by applying these to the analysis of selected dredge material samples, consider the application of international guidelines to assess the suitability, from a radiological perspective, of the disposal of these materials at sea in relation to NORM. The expected project outputs will include the following: Interim and Final reports; Peer reviewed journal articles (minimum of two); PhD thesis; Reports on sampling strategy and methodologies for the accurate determination of natural radionuclides by high resolution gamma spectrometry; Infographics on the geographical distribution of artificial and natural radionuclides along the Irish coastline; Policy brief on the application of the IAEA�s stepwise evaluation procedures to assess the suitability of materials containing NORM to be disposed at sea; Dataset on artificial and natural radionuclide concentrations in the Irish coastal environment, which will be deposited in an appropriate data repository as agreed with the EPA. In addition, the upgrade of the gamma spectrometry systems at WIT and UCD will will contribute to maintaining and expanding the national expertise in this area and stimulate enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of Ireland�s responsibilities in the context of emergency preparedness and nuclear accident response.

Grant Approved

�198,200.00

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Health and well being

Start Date

31/03/2020

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/03/2023