Radionuclide Biogeochemistry: Clean up & Disposal of Our Nuclear Legacy
Event details
| Date | 10.11.2015 |
| Hour | 12:15 › 13:00 |
| Speaker | Dr Katherine Morris, BNFL Endowed Research Chair in Geological Disposal, Research Centre for Radwaste & Decommissioning, The University of Manchester, UK |
| Location | |
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
Abstract:
Globally, there is a significant legacy of defunct nuclear plant and facilities; these represent some of the most hazardous sites in the world and their decommissioning and management is of critical concern. Additionally, the common route identified by Government for management of the wastes generated from the nuclear fuel cycle is via deep geological disposal. Finally, many countries see new nuclear power as a critical part of their long term decarbonisation energy mix. These factors have resulted in a new focus on environmental radioactivity over the past few years. Our work has highlighted that biogeochemical processes can have a profound effect on the mobility of radionuclides in natural and engineered environments. I will present data demonstrating our molecular environmental science understanding of the biogeochemical cycling of radionuclides in systems relevant to radioactively contaminated land, nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste disposal and demonstrate how these processes may help in underpinning the management and disposal of our nuclear legacy.
Short biography:
Katherine Morris is an Environmental Chemist with research interests across nuclear decommissioning and waste disposal. She gained both her BSc in Chemistry and her PhD in Environmental Radiochemistry from the University of Manchester. Kath developed and led a research group focussing on environmental radioactivity at the University of Leeds. In 2010, she was given the opportunity to join The University of Manchester Dalton Nuclear Institute to lead the Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal. Her research focus is on understanding the fate of radionuclides in natural and engineered environments. She has a passion for experimental science working with the radionuclides of concern in the Environment. Kath has active interest in public and political engagement around the area of radioactive waste disposal. She regularly debates with the wider public, including school students, and undergraduates and postgraduates about this area. From 2014 onwards, she has served on the RCUK Energy Strategic Advisory Committee.
Globally, there is a significant legacy of defunct nuclear plant and facilities; these represent some of the most hazardous sites in the world and their decommissioning and management is of critical concern. Additionally, the common route identified by Government for management of the wastes generated from the nuclear fuel cycle is via deep geological disposal. Finally, many countries see new nuclear power as a critical part of their long term decarbonisation energy mix. These factors have resulted in a new focus on environmental radioactivity over the past few years. Our work has highlighted that biogeochemical processes can have a profound effect on the mobility of radionuclides in natural and engineered environments. I will present data demonstrating our molecular environmental science understanding of the biogeochemical cycling of radionuclides in systems relevant to radioactively contaminated land, nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste disposal and demonstrate how these processes may help in underpinning the management and disposal of our nuclear legacy.
Short biography:
Katherine Morris is an Environmental Chemist with research interests across nuclear decommissioning and waste disposal. She gained both her BSc in Chemistry and her PhD in Environmental Radiochemistry from the University of Manchester. Kath developed and led a research group focussing on environmental radioactivity at the University of Leeds. In 2010, she was given the opportunity to join The University of Manchester Dalton Nuclear Institute to lead the Research Centre for Radwaste Disposal. Her research focus is on understanding the fate of radionuclides in natural and engineered environments. She has a passion for experimental science working with the radionuclides of concern in the Environment. Kath has active interest in public and political engagement around the area of radioactive waste disposal. She regularly debates with the wider public, including school students, and undergraduates and postgraduates about this area. From 2014 onwards, she has served on the RCUK Energy Strategic Advisory Committee.
Practical information
- General public
- Free
- This event is internal
Organizer
- EESS - IIE
Contact
- Prof. Rizlan Bernier-Latmani, EML