scholarly journals Radiological Scouting, Monitoring and Inspection Using Drones

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3143
Author(s):  
Luís Ramos Pinto ◽  
Alberto Vale ◽  
Yoeri Brouwer ◽  
Jorge Borbinha ◽  
José Corisco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Feature ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Radioactive Material ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Ground Station ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Geiger Muller Counter ◽  
Dirty Bombs ◽  
Energy Community

Human populations and natural ecosystems are bound to be exposed to ionizing radiation from the deposition of artificial radionuclides resulting from nuclear accidents, nuclear devices or radiological dispersive devices (“dirty bombs”). On the other hand, Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material industries such as phosphate production or uranium mining, contribute to the on site storage of residuals with enhanced concentrations of natural radionuclides. Therefore, in the context of the European agreements concerning nuclear energy, namely the European Atomic Energy Community Treaty, monitoring is an essential feature of the environmental radiological surveillance. In this work, we obtain 3D maps from outdoor scenarios, and complete such maps with measured radiation levels and with its radionuclide signature. In such scenarios, we face challenges such as unknown and rough terrain, limited number of sampled locations and the need for different sensors and therefore different tasks. We propose a radiological solution for scouting, monitoring and inspecting an area of interest, using a fleet of drones and a controlling ground station. First, we scout an area with a Light Detection and Ranging sensor onboard a drone to accurately 3D-map the area. Then, we monitor that area with a Geiger–Müller Counter at a low-vertical distance from the ground to produce a radiological (heat)map that is overlaid on the 3D map of the scenario. Next, we identify the hotspots of radiation, and inspect them in detail using a drone by landing on them, to reveal its radionuclide signature using a Cadmium–Zinc–Telluride detector. We present the algorithms used to implement such tasks both at the ground station and on the drones. The three mission phases were validated using actual experiments in three different outdoor scenarios. We conclude that drones can not only perform the mission efficiently, but in general they are faster and as reliable as personnel on the ground.

scholarly journals Radiological Scouting, Monitoring and Inspection using Drones

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Pinto ◽  
Alberto Vale ◽  
Yoeri Brouwer ◽  
Jorge Borbinha ◽  
José Corisco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Energy ◽  
Essential Feature ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Nuclear Accidents ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Heat Map ◽  
Ground Station ◽  
Dirty Bombs ◽  
Energy Community

Human populations and natural ecosystems are bound to be exposed to ionizing radiation1from the deposition of artificial radionuclides resulting from nuclear accidents, nuclear devices2or radiological dispersive devices ("dirty bombs"). On the other hand, NORM industries such as3phosphate production or uranium mining, contribute to the on site storage of residuals with enhanced4concentrations of natural radionuclides. Therefore, in the context of the European agreements5concerning nuclear energy, namely the EURATOM (European Atomic Energy Community) Treaty,6monitoring is an essential feature of the environmental radiological surveillance. In this work, we7obtain 3D maps from outdoor scenarios, and complete such maps with measured radiation levels8and with its radionuclide signature. In such scenarios, we face challenges such as unknown and9rough terrain, limited number of sampled locations and the need for different sensors and therefore10different tasks. We propose a radiological solution for scouting, monitoring and inspecting an area of11interest, using a fleet of drones and a controlling ground station. First, we scout an area with a LiDAR12onboard a drone to accurately 3D-map the area. Then, we monitor that area with a Geiger-Muller13sensor at a low-vertical distance from the ground to produce a radiological (heat)map that is overlaid14on the 3D map of the scenario. Next, we identify the hotspots of radiation, and inspect them in detail15using a drone by landing on them, to reveal its radionuclide signature using a CZT sensor. We present16the algorithms used to implement such tasks both at the ground station and on the drones. The three17mission phases were validated using actual experiments in three different outdoor scenarios. We18conclude that drones can not only perform the mission efficiently, but in general they are faster and19as reliable as personnel on the ground

Determination of natural radionuclides in waste generated in the potable water treatment plants of the Zona da Mata of the state of Pernambuco- Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2A) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Muniz De Almeida Albuquerque
Keyword(s):  
Water Treatment ◽  
Potable Water ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
The United States ◽  
Radioactive Material ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Radiological Protection ◽  
Natural Occurrence ◽  
Water Treatment Plants ◽  
Potable Water Treatment

The water purification procedure aims to obtain a product appropriate for human consumption, minimizing the presence of contaminants and toxic substances present in the water. Among these contaminants, some radionuclides of natural origin, such as uranium, thorium and their descendants, have been identified. Studies have shown that the stages of purification are quite effective in removing the radionuclides contained in water. The removal is due to co-precipitation of the radionuclides with the suspended materials and the precipitated material is accumulated and characterized as a Technologically Concentrated Natural Occurrence Radioactive Material (TENORM) by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This residue can present significant levels of radioactivity and, when discarded in the environment without any treatment, can generate a problem of environmental impact and a risk to the health of the population. In this way, some gamma emitters of the series of U, Th and the K-40 were determined in the residues generated at the Potable Water Treatment Plants – PWTPs in six municipalities of Pernambuco. The results obtain corroborate the classification of the residues generated in the PWTPs as concentrators of the radioactive components contained in the water supplied to the system and reinforce the need for the release to the environment, which is the usual way of disposal of this waste, to be carried out only after considering the radiological protection standards established.

Investigating microplastic behaviour in a well-mixed estuary

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nia Jones ◽  
Simon Neill ◽  
Peter Robins ◽  
Matthew Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Type System ◽  
Water Quality Monitoring ◽  
Irish Sea ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Future Projections ◽  
Catchment Population ◽  
The North ◽  
Direct Exposure ◽  
Tidal Embayment

<p>Rivers and estuaries act as conduits of microplastic transport, linking terrestrial and marine environments: however, it is unclear to what extent estuaries act as sources or sinks for marine plastic waste. In densely populated catchments, microplastic pollution could impact human populations and natural ecosystems including through industry, domestic activities or direct exposure. An investigation into the physical behaviour of microplastic within estuarine systems will allow for a greater understanding of plastic retention and exportation to coastal and offshore environments. A high resolution 3D model (Delft D-Flow FM) of the Conwy Estuary (UK) is under development, with current and future projections of microplastic concentrations used to determine local exposure levels, residence times and temporal variability.</p><p>The Conwy Estuary (UK) is a well-mixed macro-tidal, embayment type system connecting the Conwy catchment to the North Wales coast and Irish Sea – where waters are used for leisure and aquaculture. Microplastics derived from the catchment population, industry and agriculture are thought to flow into the estuary primarily from the Conwy river network. Because of this, this study will incorporate in-situ samples of microplastic concentrations in river water to be able to predict microplastic levels in the estuary with greater accuracy. Plastic dispersal simulations through particle tracking and water quality monitoring will be undertaken using known concentrations and future projections of microplastic.</p><p>The results of the model validation as well as application to plastic dispersal simulations will be presented.</p>

Living at the interface

2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberley Jane Hockings
Keyword(s):  
Pan Troglodytes ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Crop Raiding ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Rural People ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Republic Of Guinea ◽  
The Republic

Human–wildlife interactions have existed for thousands of years, however as human populations increase and human impact on natural ecosystems becomes more intensive, both parties are increasingly being forced to compete for resources vital to both. Humans can value wildlife in many contexts promoting coexistence, while in other situations, such as crop-raiding, wildlife conflicts with the interests of people. As our closest phylogenetic relatives, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in particular occupy a special importance in terms of their complex social and cultural relationship with humans. A case study is presented that focuses on the Bossou chimpanzees’ (Pan troglodytes verus) perspective of their habitat in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa, by highlighting the risks and opportunities presented by a human-dominated landscape, and detailing their day-to-day coexistence with humans. Understanding how rural people perceive chimpanzees and how chimpanzees adapt to living in anthropogenic environments will enhance our understanding of how people-wildlife interactions develop into situations of conflict and therefore can generate sustainable solutions to prevent or mitigate situations of conflict.

scholarly journals ETHNOS AS A CULTURAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL PHENOMENON

2017 ◽  
pp. 100-105
Author(s):  
V. Getman
Keyword(s):  
Natural Environment ◽  
Energy Charge ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
The Earth ◽  
The People ◽  
The Social ◽  
History Of ◽  
Information Materials

Biosphere and ethnic unity is the main factor of life existence on the Earth. Life process of any nation should harmonize with general evolutionary biosphere development. Otherwise it will be thrown away over the board by centrifugal force. Ethnic interaction with natural environment is noticed mainly on the village level and encloses not only industrial but spiritual sphere. The mentality of the Ukrainian ethnos has been forming on the base of countryside affection. Loss of this affection is an equivalent to the loss of identity of native population that has lived on the territory of modern Ukraine from the immemorial times. The diversity and resilience of natural ecosystems (picturesque nature) determine their performance and viability of the social system entities providing efficiency of labor and intellectual potential of people. Ultimately, all this provokes an energy charge, passionarity (by L.N. Gumilev), strength of national character. On the cultural position, we note that since Tripoli culture (Aratta), Russ (Kyiv) state, Hetmanshyny, Ukrainian land receives and stores still positive information (materials of archaeological excavations chronicle evidence, etc.) of people who vitally concerned about the social organization of the state, care for its unity, greatness and power among the people and countries of the Ecumene during that times. Since then our land has been infected with passion to create a state, the idea of fighting for independence and Ukrainian unity. The strength of feeling of homeland, highly emotional relationship to your native land, your native home, all that is known and is area of interest of the local geography. It has an important place in system of human values. If the fate of the Earth is the lot of human than environment starts flourishing, otherwise there will be loss of control over the natural environment and the disappearance of nation (ethnicity), as evidenced by numerous examples from the long history of entire nations and even civilizations. The strength of the Earth in its spiritual energy. Black arable of an autumn field, as a prototype of our bitter past, gives nutritious juice to spring’s green shoots. Spirit of the land is in black bread, which we consume, in breast milk, in the character of a young child, in the wisdom and will of the new generation of Ukraine!

scholarly journals Natural radionuclides in soil profiles surrounding the largest coal-fired power plant in Serbia

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milan Tanic ◽  
Ljiljana Jankovic-Mandic ◽  
Bosko Gajic ◽  
Marko Dakovic ◽  
Snezana Dragovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Power Plant ◽  
Vertical Distribution ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Gamma Ray Spectrometry ◽  
Soil Profiles ◽  
Radiological Risk ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
Specific Activities ◽  
Spatial And Vertical Distribution

This study evaluates the influence of the largest Serbian coal-fired power plant on radionuclide concentrations in soil profiles up to 50 cm in depth. Thirty soil profiles were sampled from the plant surroundings (up to 10 km distance) and analyzed using standard methods for soil physicochemical properties and gamma ray spectrometry for specific activities of natural radionuclides (40K, 226Ra and 232Th). Spatial and vertical distribution of radionuclides was determined and analyzed to show the relations between the specific activities in the soil and soil properties and the most influential factors of natural radionuclide variability were identified. The radiological indices for surface soil were calculated and radiological risk assessment was performed. The measured specific activities were similar to values of background levels for Serbia. The sampling depth did not show any significant influence on specific activities of natural radionuclides. The strongest predictor of specific activities of the investigated radionuclides was soil granulometry. All parameters of radiological risk assessment were below the recommended values and adopted limits. It appears that the coal-fired power plant does not have a significant impact on the spatial and vertical distribution of natural radionuclides in the area of interest, but technologically enhanced natural radioactivity as a consequence of the plant operations was identified within the first 1.5 km from the power plant.

scholarly journals Natural Radioactivity in Soil and Bitumen in Al-Marj Spring and Abu-Jir Village, Anbar, Western Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (2E) ◽  
pp. 12-23
Author(s):  
Haneen A. Jassam
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Natural Radioactivity ◽  
Natural Radionuclides ◽  
Radioactive Material ◽  
Hydrocarbon Accumulation ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
High Purity Germanium ◽  
The World ◽  
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material ◽  
Γ Ray

The aim of the present research is to illustrate γ-ray levels emitting from soil and bitumen producing from 238U, 232Th, and 40K along Abu-Jir Fault Zone. in the area extended from Al-Marj valley to Abu-Jir village using scintillometer device. Such study is important in environmental assessment to buildup data base about radioactivity. The concentration of natural radionuclides in the study area was determined to be occurring mostly in the clay minerals and organic matter. A high purity germanium spectrometer was used to detect the activity of these elements which ranged between 00.6±18.1- 1526±102, 0- 8.4±1.4, and 70.1±10.9- 328.2±73 in soil, and 28.2±5.6- 94±22.1, 0- 2.2±0.5, and 38.4±7.9- 70.1±10.9 in bitumen for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K respectively. The anomaly of the Naturally occurring radioactive material was associated with hydrocarbon accumulation and springs. The source of 232Th and 40K came from the same source rock (illite), while 226Ra was associated with ascending fluids. The obtained results showed that the activity of 226Ra in soil has value above the world averages and other countries.

scholarly journals Management to Insulate Ecosystem Services from the Effects of Catchment Development

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 08001
Author(s):  
Peter Gell
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Riparian Ecosystems ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
River Flooding ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Recreational Benefits ◽  
Provisioning Services

Natural ecosystems provide amenity to human populations in the form of ecosystem services. These services are grouped into four broad categories: provisioning – food and water production; regulating – control of climate and disease; supporting – crop pollination; and cultural – spiritual and recreational benefits. Aquatic systems provide considerable service through the provision of potable water, fisheries and aquaculture production, nutrient mitigation and the psychological benefits that accrue from the aesthetic amenity provided from lakes, rivers and other wetlands. Further, littoral and riparian ecosystems, and aquifers, protect human communities from sea level encroachment, and tidal and river flooding. Catchment and water development provides critical resources for human consumption. Where these provisioning services are prioritized over others, the level and quality of production may be impacted. Further, the benefits from these provisioning services comes with the opportunity cost of diminishing regulating, supporting and cultural services. This imbalance flags concerns for humanity as it exceeds recognised safe operating spaces. These concepts are explored by reference to long term records of change in some of the world’s largest river catchments and lessons are drawn that may enable other communities to consider the balance of ecosystems services in natural resource management.

scholarly journals Global homogenization of the structure and function in the soil microbiome of urban greenspaces

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (28) ◽  
pp. eabg5809
Author(s):  
Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo ◽  
David J. Eldridge ◽  
Yu-Rong Liu ◽  
Blessing Sokoya ◽  
Jun-Tao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Gene Diversity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structure And Function ◽  
Soil Microbiome ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Urban Greenspaces ◽  
And Function

The structure and function of the soil microbiome of urban greenspaces remain largely undetermined. We conducted a global field survey in urban greenspaces and neighboring natural ecosystems across 56 cities from six continents, and found that urban soils are important hotspots for soil bacterial, protist and functional gene diversity, but support highly homogenized microbial communities worldwide. Urban greenspaces had a greater proportion of fast-growing bacteria, algae, amoebae, and fungal pathogens, but a lower proportion of ectomycorrhizal fungi than natural ecosystems. These urban ecosystems also showed higher proportions of genes associated with human pathogens, greenhouse gas emissions, faster nutrient cycling, and more intense abiotic stress than natural environments. City affluence, management practices, and climate were fundamental drivers of urban soil communities. Our work paves the way toward a more comprehensive global-scale perspective on urban greenspaces, which is integral to managing the health of these ecosystems and the well-being of human populations.

scholarly journals A cosmopolitan fungal pathogen of dicots adopts an endophytic lifestyle on cereal crops and protects them from major fungal diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3120-3135
Author(s):  
Binnian Tian ◽  
Jiatao Xie ◽  
Yanping Fu ◽  
Jiasen Cheng ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Head Blight ◽  
Blast Protection ◽  
The Disabled ◽  
Multiple Field

Abstract Fungal pathogens are seriously threatening food security and natural ecosystems; efficient and environmentally friendly control methods are essential to help safeguard such resources for increasing human populations on a global scale. Here, we find that Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a widespread pathogen of dicotyledons, can grow endophytically in wheat, rice, barley, maize, and oat, providing protection against Fusarium head blight, stripe rust, and rice blast. Protection is also provided by disabled S. sclerotiorum strains harboring a hypovirulence virus. The disabled strain DT-8 promoted wheat yields by 4–18% in the field and consistently reduced Fusarium disease by 40–60% across multiple field trials. We term the host-dependent trophism of S. sclerotiorum, destructively pathogenic or mutualistically endophytic, as schizotrophism. As a biotroph, S. sclerotiorum modified the expression of wheat genes involved in disease resistance and photosynthesis and increased the level of IAA. Our study shows that a broad-spectrum pathogen of one group of plants may be employed as a biocontrol agent in a different group of plants where they can be utilized as beneficial microorganisms while avoiding the risk of in-field release of pathogens. Our study also raises provocative questions about the potential role of schizotrophic endophytes in natural ecosystems.

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