Connecting Nuclear Science With Nature - World Environment Day 2017

05.06.2017

Do you think working in science means being stuck in a lab all day? Think again. As part of their work, environmental researchers at the IAEA have the opportunity to get connected with nature to help Member States protect it. <br />#WorldEnvironmentDay #WithNature

Two researchers from the IAEA Environment Laboratories dive off the coast of Monaco. They measure parameters like sea temperature, salinity or density and take samples to determine the presence of contaminants. Tracking this information help Member States take measures to identify where pollution comes from and take measures to stop it.

The work of the IAEA laboratories also help ensure that the seafood on our plates is safe and free of contaminants. Fish is a key part of the protein intake for 3.1 billion people globally.

The demand for ivory has led to a dramatic decline in elephant numbers. Isotope techniques applied on tusks indicate the likely geographical origin of an elephant and when it died – and hence contribute data to fight illegal ivory trade.

IAEA researchers are working with Cuba's Centre for Environmental Studies to develop reference material for ciguatoxin, a biotoxin responsible for the majority of fish poisonings. In 2016 this involved taking samples from the Caribbean Sea. Certain species of phytoplankton are capable of producing toxic molecules which can cause humans and marine animals to become severely ill. These outbreaks, known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), are responsible for thousands of poisonings all over the globe through the consumption of contaminated seafood and respiratory problems through breathing the toxic aerosols they release.

A researcher from the IAEA programmes the deployment parameters of an in-situ water pump. These pumps can take samples from the water column during 10 hours at depths of up to 5000 m. This process allows contaminants to be measured even at very low concentrations.

Researchers from the IAEA Environment Laboratories in Monaco train scientists on sampling techniques to detect contaminants. As part of its cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the IAEA organises proficiency tests and training courses on the analysis of trace elements and organic contaminants in marine samples.

FAO/IAEA scientists collect soil samples in the mountains of Rauris, Austria as part of their work to develop new methods for landscape soil moisture monitoring in fragile upland agro-ecosystems. A better understanding of agricultural resource use efficiency allows improved adaptation and mitigation strategies which is the basis for climate-smart agriculture.<br /> (Photo: Dale Pulker (FAO/IAEA))

Scientists work at night off the coast of Namibia to study the Northern Benguela upwelling system to establish a baseline study of radioactivity levels.

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