PRIME technology in the field. Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering. generation of ‘smart’ systems capable of monitoring subsurface processes at high spatial and temporal resolutions, using diagnostic methods routinely used in medical physics. Our principal focus has been on monitoring unstable natural and engineered slopes (e.g. embankments, cuttings and dams) associated with transportation, flood defence and utility infrastructure networks. The technology is applicable to a wide range of subsurface monitoring applications including groundwater management, CO2 storage and contaminated land. Isotope tracers for water leakage Phosphorus is a key element for life and is essential to modern food production. However, when released into the environment in an uncontrolled manner, it can have substantial effects on the health of ecosystems. Water companies routinely add phosphorous in the form of phosphate to potable water supplies. This is to provide a protective coating within the pipework and so stop any metals dissolving and getting into the drinking water network. Whilst lead and copper are toxic to humans, phosphorous is not. Water supply pipes can and do leak, allowing the phosphorous to enter the environment and potentially affect ecosystems. Detection and tracing of leakage in the environment are essential components of water loss reduction strategies. Important research pioneered by our scientists has developed a new isotopic technique that uses the ratio of the stable isotopes of oxygen in the phosphate molecule. By taking samples from mains water supplies from across the country, we were able to determine the composition of our tap waters. In this way, we have been able to distinguish mains water from other sources of phosphorous, providing a new way of detecting leaks and reducing costs as well as minimising environmental degradation. Data4Sustain The purpose of Data4Sustain was to produce a prototype webGIS decision-support tool to identify the feasibility of a Annual science review 7 particular UK site to support one or more of a range of renewable energy technologies. Over 100 datasets were used in the project and the technologies included ground-source heat pumps, wind turbines, water-source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic (PV) farms and small hydroelectric schemes. The outputs of the work include a fully functional website that comprises three key areas: login, project information and site selection; technology selection and summary maps, and a webGIS that allows the underlying data that were used to produce the maps to be interrogated pixel by pixel. The webGIS includes a feature to produce a pdf report that is sent to the user by email. The colour-coded feasibility
Annual Science Review 2015-2016
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