Radioecology and Tracer Studies Programme

The aim of the programme is:

• to study the transport and uptake of stable and radioactive substances in the environment,
• to develop methods for assessment of the environmental impact of these substances, and
• to apply radioecological and radioanalytical methods and principles for the investigation of general environmental problems.

More specific sub-targets of the programme include:

• Identification of important mechanisms and physical/chemical forms that determine the transport and impact of radioactive and non-radioactive pollutants in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The aim is to achieve more realistic risk assessments.
• Implementing ICPMS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) for measurement of stable and long-lived isotopes in environmental samples as a supplement to the radiometric methods used in the programme.
• Maintaining and further developing radiometric measurement capabilities and radioecological expertise of use for national and international authorities and organisations as well as commercial enterprises.
• Developing and applying radioanalytical reference methods for the quantification of elements of significance for health and environment.
• Contributing to the scientific background for safe storage and disposal of radioactive waste.

In addition the programme carries out monitoring of environmental radioactivity in Denmark and around Risø in order to take care of national obligations (Euratom Treaty and Helsinki Convention) and requirements from the Danish nuclear and radiation safety authorities related to the nuclear facilities of Danish Decommissioning.

Head of Programme: Sven P. Nielsen