Mangalore University has signed an MoU with NPCIL for a collaborative research programme to establish specific database on transfer factors for isotopes of iodine, cesium, and strontium in air > grass > cow > milk > child pathway with special emphasis on intake of radioactivity by children through milk. The aims of this project are:

• To study the transfer of iodine, cesium, and strontium from (i) air to grass through dry and wet deposition, (ii) grass to cow and milk, and (iii) milk to child in Kaiga region, and

• To estimate the radiation dose to children due to inhalation and ingestion under normal as well as postulated conditions of accidental release of a radioactivity.

The information that would be obtained from this programme would enable more realistic values to be derived for use in general assessment calculations. The data generated from this study will prove valuable as early-warning indicators and will play a crucial role during the assessment of situations where restrictive guideline values might be exceeded due to an accidental or short-term excessive release of radioactivity. The outcome of the project would help in regular environmental monitoring programme of the Environmental Survey Laboratory (ESL) during normal situations by reducing the analyses of large number of samples.

A site near Dodda Ullarthi, Chellakere (Taluk), Chitradurga (District), Karnataka (State), has been identified (hereinafter called Project Site) for establishing a BARC facility. Mangalore University and BARC-RMP, Mysuru signed an MoU in the year 2013 and under this MoU, Mangalore University will undertake a study to generate database on baseline radiation levels and radionuclide concentration in and around the Project Site region. Environmental samples (terrestrial, atmospheric, and aquatic samples) in and around the Project Site upto radial distance of 30 km would be collected regularly and analyzed for concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Pb, ²¹⁰Po, ²³²Th, ²²⁸Ra, ⁴⁰K, and artificial radionuclide ¹³⁷Cs. Detailed studies will be undertaken on ²²²Rn concentration indoor and outdoor air and ground water. The gamma radiation levels at different places would be surveyed using a gamma dosimeter and field gamma spectrometry. Samples of soil, air, water, sediment, and terrestrial biota would be analyzed for individual radionuclide concentration as well as for gross alpha and gross beta activities.

Baseline studies provide range valuable information critical to project decision-making and to predict impacts. The data will become part of the inputs for EIA report required for obtaining Environmental Clearance for the project from the Ministry of Environment and Forest. The studies proposed under this MoU would provide a valuable baseline database, which would help the DAE in its programmes around the region in particular, and similar projects in other parts of the country in general. This database is essential to assess the impact of the BARC facility on the environment, if any, in future. In addition to these the study would also help to identify critical components in the environment and critical samples and the most important radionuclide and element so that necessary action can be carried out. Also, the study undertaken by autonomous and reputed institution would have wider acceptance among the general public and help in building public confidence in the programmes of the DAE.

Mangalore University and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for conducting a collaborative research study on “²²⁰Rn adsorption in charcoal for ²²⁰Rn mitigation application in off-gas stream”. Under this, research programmes would be carried to develop charcoal-based radon and thoron absorbers for mitigation from gaseous effluents. The development of simple and inexpensive devices for continuous removal of radon and thoron from the air will find immense application in workplaces and uranium and thorium processing facilities.

The scientists of CARER of Mangalore University, who have expertise in experimental measurement of radon, thoron, and their progenies, will conduct experiments on radon and thoron absorption efficiencies of charcoal and different oils, and their holding capacity, degassing characteristics, and fabrication of prototype system for radon and thoron mitigation. Through this MoU, the University will be conducting collaborative research with BARC in areas of national importance.