GITAM and BARC to monitor Gamma Radiation
GITAM and BARC to monitor Gamma Radiation
GITAM University has just entered into an MoU with the BARC or the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. The MoU is for the purpose of monitoring gamma radiation in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This is part of the Nationwide Environmental Gamma Radiation Monitoring Project. The MoU was signed by the registrar of the University, M. Potharaju and BARC Health Safety and Environment/HSE group director D. N. Sharma along with VC G. Subrahmanyam.
The MoU holds that BARC would cooperate with GITAM University to develop the in-house capability for the measurement of Thermo Luminescence Dosimeters/TLD for statistically analysing the results on a periodic basis. The TLD is an affordable, precise and reliable tool for monitoring environmental radiation. Environmental gamma radiation monitoring in India is being carried out using the CaSO4:Dy based TLD every 4 months. The research team at the university has ascertained the presence of around 525 locations across 23 districts for the purpose of arranging TLDs.
The research team will collect the TLDs every 3 months for the analysis of the results as per the study. Number as well as location for collection of soil samples will be based on a first year review of the levels of gamma radiation for that particular region. Soil samples are then made to undergo spectrometry analysis for determining natural radioactivity contents.
The BARC experts expressed appreciation for the GITAM University's expertise in this area. They have also displayed interest in allocation of more projects to the university in the coming time. The GITAM University of Science is responsible for coordination with the public for getting the right details and samples for the project.
VC G. S. Subrahmanyam has also emphasised that the university is aiming to utilise its best qualities for completion of the project. The aim is also being made to improve the quality and calibre of research through this project. GITAM University entered into an MoU with BARC so that gamma radiation can be accurately detected in these 2 southern states.
Gamma rays are high energy electromagnetic radiation and they have extremely short wavelength of less than 1/10th of the nanometer. This is a very energetic form of radiation and it can damage human tissue very fast. This can lead to mutations.
Involving Indian universities in such research initiatives has a lot of benefits. It can spur indigenous research apart from improving research capability. It will also lead to the professional development of the faculty led teams overseeing the research project. Science has the potential to solve human problems of enormous magnitudes. It is owing to this reason that initiatives such as these are a welcome development in the field of Indian science.
INSA and other such research and educational bodies from the scientific field are also emphasising the need to scrutinise and combat climate change. Such initiatives by the scientific community point to its immense value for mankind's welfare.
