Development of passive sampling devices for natural and artificial radionuclides in the context of pre- and post-deployment of small nuclear reactors in remote areas

Small nuclear reactors (SMRs) are a major option for electricity production in remote areas. Environmental impact assessment and monitoring will be needed, however this might be difficult because of the remoteness and the anticipated low levels of radiocontaminants, especially that laboratories with modern instrumentation might not be available on-site. We are proposing (1) to adapt and replace our current classic methods with new and modern technology, for monitoring radioactivity at natural levels; (2) to develop and test small samplers that are easily deployable and rugged to withstand harsh cold conditions; and (3) to improve our detection limits and quality assurance, along with data security. At the outcome, this project will deliver a new rugged monitoring method to analyze for radiocontaminants, with modern instrumentation. The personnel will be trained with enhanced quality assurance credentials, who can be specialists for independent verification, at arm’s length from an SMR operator.

Faculty Supervisor:

Graeme Spiers

Student:

Partner:

Mining Innovation, Rehabilitation and Applied Research Corporation

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Laurentian University

Program: