The UCL Environmental Radiometric Facility is a leading research service specialising in radiometric dating and isotope analysis. Using state-of-the-art hyper-pure germanium gamma spectrometers, the Facility provides precise measurements of low-level environmental radioactivity. Established in 2003, it supports a wide range of environmental research and monitoring projects.

Equipped with advanced ORTEC® HPGe GWL series coaxial well-type gamma detectors, the Facility offers accurate analysis of various environmental radioisotopes. This enables detailed investigations into the distribution of radioisotopes in lake sediments, soils, and other ecological samples. By providing reliable and comprehensive radiometric data, the Facility can help researchers and organisations looking to understand and address environmental challenges.

Applications

The UCL Environmental Radiometric Facility offers cutting-edge gamma spectrometry services for accurate radiometric dating of sediments and peat, sediment dynamics analysis, and radionuclide transfer modelling. Our expertise also extends to tracking atmospheric pollutants and monitoring radioactive emissions, providing crucial insights for environmental research and management. Explore how our advanced techniques can support your research needs and enhance your understanding of environmental processes. Our services can be used for: 

• Radiometric dating of lake, marine and coastal sediments and peat accumulations by establishing chronologies and accumulation rates through the measurement of atmospheric fallout of naturally produced ²¹⁰Pb and artificially produced ¹³⁷Cs and ²⁴¹Am radionuclides.
• Determining the extent of sediment focusing within a lake basin by measuring ²¹⁰Pb distribution in sediment cores from across the accumulation zone
• Modelling the transfer of radionuclides through catchment-lake systems and assessing soil erosion in catchments by investigating inventories of environmental radioisotopes such as ²¹⁰Pb, ¹³⁷Cs, ¹³⁴Cs and ²⁴¹Am in soils as well as in sediments and peats
• Tracing atmospherically deposited pollutants through terrestrial and lake ecosystems by comparing distributions of ²¹⁰Pb and other pollutants, in particular trace metals.
• Monitoring radioactive discharges and emissions from nuclear and non-nuclear sites; assessing state and changes of gamma radiation does rates in the environment.