Loughborough University
(Loughborough University)
United Kingdom
Shortname: LU
Description of the organization
The Environmental Radiochemistry Research Group at Loughborough University is part of the Department of Chemistry. The Group currently consists of 2 academics, 2 Visiting Professors, a Research Technician, 2 Post-Docs and twelve PhD students. Much of the Group’s research work is carried out in collaboration with UK and European scientists through EC sponsorship. The Group has an international research reputation and collaborates with scientists in many countries. Loughborough has a unique facility for radiochemistry which is housed in a single storey purpose built building, as well as a fully-equipped mobile radiochemistry laboratory.
Main tasks attributed / previous experience related to those tasks
Research is concerned with environmental chemodynamics and concentrates on groundwater chemistry, particularly pollutant speciation and mobility of radionuclides through the terrestrial environment, mainly centred on the geochemistry of radioactive waste disposal and NORM wastes. Current research investigations are concerned with radionuclide interactions with inorganic colloids (silica, Fe, Mn, Al), low molecular weight natural organics, anthropogenic species, naturally occurring organics (humic and fulvic acids), and mineral surfaces - using predictive computer modelling. The Group does a lot of work on the behaviour of radionuclides in cementitious environments. Another speciality is analytical method development, e.g. development of methods for determining specific radionuclides in complex matrices, such as Magnox cladding wastes.
The main task of LU will be to help prepare, organise and deliver courses in WP2, including the theoretical, practical and field versions of these. LU will also participate in WPs 1, 3 & 4.
Short profiles of the key staff members
Dr Nick Evans did his PhD on “Studies on Metal ά-isosaccharinic acid complexes’ at LU. He was appointed as a Research Associate and has worked on organic complexation of radionuclides, radionuclide analysis, speciation and environmental transport, publishing over 100 papers and reports. He was appointed to Senior Lecturer in Radiochemistry at Loughborough in 2011, and has participated in many EU Projects such as SKIN, FUNMIG & ReCOSY. He teaches radiochemistry to under- and postgraduates at Loughborough. His research on radiochemistry and radionuclide transport has included development of methods for the analysis of radionuclides in steels and concretes; experimental design and modelling of solubility and sorption studies; column studies and diffusion experiments; measurement of solubility, sorption, thermodynamic stability constants and kinetics of reactions relevant to radioactive waste disposal; measuring and modelling the influence of organics on radionuclide migration and the development and application of coupled-chemical transport and colloid transport models. He is secretary of the RSC Radiochemistry Group.
Prof David Read is internationally recognised in radiochemistry and geochemistry and has held professorial positions in UK, Germany and Finland. The majority of his published work is focused on environmental radiochemistry and the nuclear fuel cycle. During the 80’s, he carried out assessments on potential deep and shallow repository sites as well as existing facilities.
In the 90’s, he coordinated the regulatory overview of Nirex proposals for radioactive waste disposal beneath Sellafield, leading up to the Public Inquiry. Involvement in strategic issues encompasses advice to government bodies on NORM, Exemption Orders and licensing.
His contribution in terms of calculation, perception and communication of radiological risk has included Public consultation on new nuclear facilities and the large scale remediation of industrial and military sites.