Development of novel extractant test stick technology for the rapid screening of radionuclides

Screening of nuclear decommissioning wastes for non-gamma emitting radionuclides typically relies on time-consuming radiochemical analysis by expert laboratories remote from the decommissioning site. Such characterisation is usually targeted at specific radionuclides and involves chemical separation in purpose-designed analytical facilities prior to radiometric analysis. Additional time is required to arrange transport of potentially radioactive materials from the site which in turn requires some prior knowledge of the potential radionuclide levels present. There are significant advantages to developing a rapid screening approach that can be deployed on site for the initial identification and quantification of radionuclides, permitting more time and cost-effective screening of wastes.

The project aims to develop a purpose-designed extraction / detection system that can be deployed by non-specialists either on-site or as part of a mobile laboratory. The system will comprise three main components; (1) an optimised compact extraction system for recovery of radionuclides from the waste form; (2) an extraction test strip designed to recover the radionuclides from the waste digest; (3) a spatially-resolved, high efficiency digitized phosphor imaging system capable of quantification of alpha, low energy beta and high energy beta emitting radionuclides.

The novelty of the project is in the design of the extraction test strip and the associated detection system incorporating spatial resolution. The test strip will incorporate multiple extractants tailored to extract specific radionuclides. The extractants will be discretely distributed within separate zones along the strip. The supervisory group has extensive experience in the development and characterisation of novel extractants. Research will initially focus on commercially-available extraction chromatographic materials. In addition, a range of novel extraction chromatographic materials will be prepared and evaluated for this application, including derivatised silicas and molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs). Once a range of extractant materials with the desired properties have been identified, these will be combined into a multi-zone extractant test strip with each zone extracting a specific radionuclide of interest. Extractants will be selected based on their selectivity and efficiency at extraction of the target radionuclides. It is envisaged that initial investigations will focus on 90Sr and Pu(alpha) emitting radionuclides.

All doctoral candidates will enrol in the Graduate School of NOCS (GSNOCS), where they will receive specialist training in oral and written presentation skills, have the opportunity to participate in teaching activities, and have access to a full range of research and generic training opportunities. GSNOCS attracts students from all over the world and from all science and engineering backgrounds. There are currently around 200 full- and part-time PhD students enrolled (~60% UK and 40% EU & overseas). The project will provide training at postgraduate level in the field of separation chemistry, radioanalytical separation techniques and radiometric analysis. The student will also receive comprehensive training in alpha spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting, gamma spectrometry and ICPMS. The successful candidate will participate in the graduate programme organised by the NDA including attendance of annual research seminars and site visits. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to attend national and at least one international conference during the tenure of the PhD.

Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK/EU applicants.

Applications for an PhD in Ocean and Earth Sciences should be submitted online: https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=7184&majr=7184&term=201718#_ga=1.111884675.621931756.1473338724

For informal inquiries related to this project contact Prof. Phil Warwick by email: [Email Address Removed]

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.