Welcome
The Consolidated Radio-isotope Facility (CORiF), at the University of Plymouth, was commissioned in December 2006. It is a dedicated laboratory for the manipulation and analysis of natural and enhanced radioactive materials. The radioanalytical instrumentation comprises three state-of-the-art gamma spectrometers and two liquid scintillation counters. It houses a wide range of associated equipment associated with the processing and preparation of any sample type. The CORiF has a licence to hold and dispose of alpha, beta and gamma radionuclides which are used to support many of applications in research and consultancy. The laboratory acquired ISO9001:2008 certification in 2010 and is currently undertaking a range of analytical services related to internal and external research projects and contracts. It is committed to offering advanced postgraduate training and participating undergraduate teaching mainly for the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science and the School of Biomedical and Biological Sciences. Major areas of work include:
- sediment geochronology
- soil erosion and sediment budget studies
- studies of the eco- and geno-toxic effects of radionuclides
- investigations of land contaminated with radionuclides
- geochemical tracer studies using radiochemicals
- complementary research involving non-radiometric analyses
These areas are of direct relevance to research into Climate Change, Catchment and Coastal Processes, Environmental Protection and Sustainability, many which are funded by Research Councils. The facility also undertakes external contract work in these areas, and others, via an arrangement with University of Plymouth Enterprise Ltd (link).
