Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C513134/1
An isotopic investigation of the geochemical associations, behaviour and environmental mobility of depleted uranium in contaminated soil systems.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor A MacKenzie, Scottish Universities Env Research Cen, SUERC
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor JG Farmer, University of Edinburgh, Sch of Geosciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor M Graham, University of Edinburgh, Sch of Geosciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor RM Ellam, Scottish Universities Env Research Cen, SUERC
- Grant held at:
- Scottish Universities Env Research Cen, SUERC
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Pollution
- Environment & Health
- Soil science
- Abstract:
- Depleted uranium (DU) is a modified form of uranium, which occurs as a by-product of nuclear fuel and nuclear weapon production. DU tipped shells have outstanding armour piercing capability and DU munitions have been tested in the UK since the 1960s and have been used in conflicts since the early 1990s. As a consequence of the toxic and radioactive nature of DU, concern has arisen over its use in military and other applications. The environmental behaviour of natural uranium is relatively well understood but there have been few opportunities to study DU in the environment and its behaviour is not well characterised. There is, therefore a requirement to undertake research to characterise its environmental behaviour, in order to develop an improved understanding of potential risks in the military use of DU. This proposal seeks funding for a study of DU in soil systems at two locations which have been contaminated with DU as a consequence of munitions testing operations. The proposed studies would involve a group of scientists with complementary expertise from SUERC and the School of Geosciences of the University of Edinburgh. Advanced analytical techniques would be used to characterise the behaviour of uranium in the soil/plant systems at the two study sites. The study would provide novel information on the behaviour and mobility of DU in the environment.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C513134/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Directed Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Depleted Uranium
This grant award has a total value of £160,404
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £85,743 | £8,626 | £26,593 | £39,442 |
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