New research on depleted uranium in the environmentJuly 07, 2003The Natural Environment Research Council has today advertised for research proposals from scientists wishing to study the effect of depleted uranium on the environment. The study is in response to needs identified by the Ministry of Defence and will cost £1.2 million. The main objectives of the NERC programme will be to consider the transport, uptake and behaviour of depleted uranium in terrestrial and marine environments. The programme will cover some of the key environmental factors also identified in the Royal Society report, "The Health Hazards of DU Munitions, Part II". The proposed work includes how depleted uranium moves through the environment, what changes happen to it and how it is taken up by soil, plants and animals. These issues will be looked at over short timescales of 5-10 years and over longer periods of more than 10 years. This independent programme on depleted uranium will complement other research being undertaken by the Medical Research Council and the Ministry of Defence. It will focus on the environment, and will not consider the human health effects of depleted uranium, or operational issues associated with its use. However, it will encourage communication with those involved in human health and environmental risk assessment. At the end of the programme, we will be well placed to assess the way in which DU moves throughout the environment and to quantify the uncertainties associated with that movement. We should also be in a position to suggest appropriate measures to minimize any effects on the environment. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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