Latest Radio-active Particle finds At Dounreay

18th December 2021

Photograph of Latest Radio-active Particle finds At Dounreay

Glossary of terms
Term Explanation
ID number Unique reference number given to each particle
Date Date on which the particle was found
Easting East co-ordinate of particle find in UK national grid
Northing North co-ordinate of particle find in UK national grid
Depth Approximate depth in centimetres at which the particle was located.
Cs137 Bq Content of Caesium 137 activity in the particle, measured in becquerels.
Co60 Bq Content of Cobalt 60 activity in the particle, measured in becquerels
Nb94 Bq Content of Niobium 94 activity in the particle, measured in becquerels
Am-241 Content of Americium-241 activity in the particle, measured in becquerels
Type Type of particle. Particles are generally of 3 main types depending on the origin of the particle, but a fourth type, denoted by U, has also been identified.
Type of particle code Type of particle
DFR Originated from Dounreay Fast Reactor
MTR Originated from a Materials Test Reactor
SS Stainless steel, originated from DFR or PFR (Prototype Fast Reactor) cladding materials
U Contain irradiated uranium oxide, which could have originated from MTR or DFR fuel
Note: particle type is determined from analysis. Where required SEM/Edax is carried out, with the agreement of SEPA, on selected particles.

Comments: Some particles, when separated in the laboratory from the associated sediments, are found to comprise more than 1 fragment. The number of fragments are identified.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

3/2/2026 : Other Public Services

 
From Headlines to Hidden Lines - Dounreay's Quiet Legacy of Radioactive Particles

For years, radioactive particles discovered near Dounreay were headline news.  Each find triggered a press release, picked up by local and national outlets, reminding communities that the nuclear legacy was still with us.  

17/12/2025 : Advisory / Counseling Services

UKAEA and NDA strengthen collaborative approach to decommissioning

UKAEA and NDA sign formal agreement to share knowledge and expertise, advancing the delivery of major decommissioning programmes.   Memorandum of Understanding agreed to enable and encourage knowledge sharing, and improve best practice.  

3/12/2025 : Other Public Services

 
TAE Technologies and UKAEA partner to commercialise fusion tech

Joint venture to develop neutral beams for fusion and non-fusion applications, creating high-skilled jobs and establishing a critical supply chain.   TAE Technologies, a leading US private fusion energy firm with over 25 years at the forefront of scientific innovation, today announces a bilateral and reciprocal investment commitment with the United Kingdom's national fusion laboratory, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to commercialise TAE's proprietary particle accelerator technology for the global market.  

1/12/2025 : Other Public Services

 
Buried Hazards, Unfinished Business - What the NDA's 2025 Progress Report Really Tells Us

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has released its 2025 Mission Progress Report is a slightly sprawling document chronicling one of the UK's most complex environmental undertakings.  The safe dismantling of its early nuclear legacy.  

30/11/2025 : Other Public Services

 
New recruit officers join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) welcomes its newest recruits.   The CNC hosted two passing out parades for the graduating Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) of Initial Foundation Programme (IFP) 106.  

29/11/2025 : Other Public Services

 
Dounreay's next generation of talent honoured by apprentice award

Nuclear Restoration Services Dounreay's Kate Thomson has won Modern Apprentice of the Year at the Highlands & Islands Apprenticeship Awards in Inverness.   Kate, who is in the second year of her apprenticeship in commercial and quantity surveying, said she was thrilled by the honour.  

24/11/2025 : Other Public Services

 
Taskforce calls for radical reset of nuclear regulation in UK

Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce publishes final report and calls for radical reset of overly complex nuclear regulatory system.   An overly complex nuclear regulatory system has contributed to the "relative decline" of the UK's ability to deliver faster and cheaper nuclear projects.  

18/11/2025 : Marine Services

 
Funding approved for Wick Harbour port consultant

A specialist ports consultant has been appointed to develop a long-term strategic plan for Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) in Caithness.   WHA has secured £47,775 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Nuclear Restoration Services, NRS Dounreay towards the cost of the services.  

11/11/2025 : Other Public Services

 
Fallon Campbell From Melvich Near Thurso Named As Apprentice of the Year At Awards In London

Rising star from North Scotland honoured at event to celebrate brightest and best in industry.   An electrical apprentice from North Scotland is celebrating after being recognised for her contribution to industry at the 13th annual Engineering Construction Industry ECI Training and Development Awards in London.  

15/10/2025 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
The NDA Group Graduate Programme: more than a job

The NDA group graduate scheme offers far more than just a stepping stone into the nuclear industry; it's a chance to grow professionally, explore new places, and become part of a supportive community.   Nuala Ledward, Assurance and Performance Graduate, shares how her secondment to Dounreay brought these benefits to life.