Radioecological and Biodosimetric Research Department

Research into parameters of radionuclide migration through the food chain

Research into features of radionuclide redistribution amidst environmental components is one of the main scientific fields of the department:
  • Research into the distribution of radionuclides in particle-size fractions of soil.
  • Research into species (mobility) of radionuclides in soil.
  • Determination of physical and chemical soil properties.
  • Research into features of spatial and vertical migration of man-made radionuclides in the land cover.
  • Experimental assessment of the entry of radionuclides into animal products, when produced in a radioactively contaminated area.
  • Experimental assessment of the transfer of radionuclides to crop products when raised in a radioactively contaminated area and the study of contributors to this process.
  • Environmental sample preparation for radionuclide and elemental analyses.
Main areas of activity:
  • Emergency biodosimetry — quantitative assessment of individual absorbed doses in radiation emergencies and incidents; biodosimetric triage of affected persons according to dose level to support medical decision-making.
  • Retrospective biodosimetry — quantitative reconstruction of individual doses from previous and chronic exposure of individuals using cytogenetic markers.
  • Cytogenetic biomonitoring of humans — assessment of genotoxic effects of radiation, chemical, and combined environmental and occupational factors.
Development, validation, and improvement of biological dosimetry methods and methods for assessing radiation-induced cytogenetic effects.

Assessment of environmental factors impacting man and wildlife

This field includes the following types of activities:
  • morphoanatomical research into plants;
  • cytogenetic research into plants;
  • calculations of the individual absorbed human dose for different exposure scenarios using cytogenetic biodosimetry procedures: a dicentric technique, a micronucleus test with cytogenesis blocked, fluorescence hybridization in situ.