In-situ Real-time Environmental Monitoring of Waterborne Low Energy Beta Particles

Real-time, in-situ detection and discrimination of low-energy beta emitting radionuclides is not currently possible. The assay of radionuclides producing low energy beta radiation is currently undertaken via the sending of samples to 3rd party labs for extraction and analysis – a costly and time consuming method. In-situ methods used involve either gas filled detectors, scintillators or solid state detectors; although these tend to exhibit limited efficiency.

Proposed here is the development of a robust detection method for the real-time, in-situ monitoring and determination of low energy beta particles emitted from waterborne radionuclides as found in seawater and groundwater surrounding nuclear power plants and other nuclear legacy sites. This detector will involve the development of a dual distributed solid scintillator comprised of both CaF2(Eu) and YAP:Ce with the intention of creating a prototype system (TRL~4) which can be utilised in-situ, with unfolding algorithms used to determine the abundance of each radionuclide considered within the sampled water.

Due to start October 2015

We welcome applications from graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a good degree (first class or upper second) in nuclear engineering or related discipline. If interested or intending to apply, please contact Dr David Cheneler (d.cheneler@lancaster.ac.uk) or Dr Stephen Monk (s.monk@lancaster.ac.uk). Note: as project requires access to nuclear power sites, only UK nationals can apply.