The IAEA and two African universities deploy sediment tracking tech in Kenya

KilindiniHarbor in Mombasa, Kenya, is East Africa's largest international seaport. But rapid development of the Kenyan coastal zone is changingsediment distribution and dispersal patternsin the region, and shifting sediment poses safety and efficiency risks toships in the harbor.With help fromthe International Atomic Energy Agency, a team of researchers from Kenya and South Africa has deployed a unique system to measure natural radionuclides in beach and aquatic sediments and map sediment transportationin the region. The IAEA described the missionin a photo essaypublished August 21.

Nuclear technology is a match:Aquatic sediments can be traced using artificial agents like dye tracers and fluorescent particles, but natural radionuclides found in beach and aquatic sediments can serve asan environmentally friendly alternative. Recognizing this, the IAEA worked with Stellenbosch University in South Africa and the University of Nairobi in Kenya to establishcapabilities on the African continent to trace sediments using natural radionuclides.

Researchers at Stellenbosch University developed two systems:aterrestrial gamma-ray system to measure radionuclides in beach sediments, and the Delta Underwater Gamma-ray Detection System (DUGS) for assessing and mapping aquatic sediments. DUGS uses a gamma-ray spectrometer to measure radiation from natural radionuclides in underwater sediments. Researchers canmap and analyzesediment distribution by collecting and processing data in real time, anduse that data to develop strategies to keep the harbor navigable.

Testing in Kenya:In April 2022, the IAEA facilitatedthe transfer of thetechnology to Kenya using a collaboration framework established by the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA). The University of Nairobi received a DUGS system and training on sedimentation, radionuclides, and operation of the system, and in November 2022 the IAEA participatedin amission to assess Kilindini Harborusing the equipment.

A 10-person team including experts and students usedDUGSto conduct anunderwater survey of the area between the MwacheRiver and KilindiniPort.Using theterrestrial gamma-ray system, they surveyed the beaches surrounding the KilindiniPort to measure radionuclide concentrations and determine the origins of sediment in the harbor.

Students from both Kenya and South Africa participatedin the project, and two female students from Kenya also received IAEA fellowshipsin computational physics and sedimentation mapping in South Africa, according to the IAEA.

See more online:For more information about the project-and more photos-view the IAEA's photo essay.