Scientists of the Laboratory of Neutron Physics JINR and Saratov State University plan to conduct biomonitoring of the atmospheric pollution in the region. Investigations have already been planned to study the atmospheric aerosol, which fell in the Saratov Region this spring. In addition, the possibilities to prepare theses of the SSU students on ecological topic under the supervision of FLNP JINR scientists are being discussed.

Such interaction was discussed at the workshop at Saratov State University last week. The Advisor to the FLNP Directorate Marina Frontasyeva gave a speech there. The workshop was the result of discussions held during the expedition “Arctic Floating University – 2022: the Changing Arctic” on the Professor Molchanov research vessel in July this year, where new contacts were established between JINR and SSU. We should recall that the result of this expedition to the Arctic was also the planned cooperation with scientific and educational organizations of Saint Petersburg.

Photos by SSU

The participants of the workshop listened to a lecture Nuclear physics methods of analysis in ecological studies, learned about the principle of the neutron activation analysis and its advantages. JINR representative and SSU graduate Marina Frontasyeva paid special attention to the UN Air Programme in Europe, in which JINR takes an active part. Students, postgraduates, and teachers of several RF universities from different regions have already been involved in this international programme. The participation of students from the Volga region would make it possible to fill one more blank space up on the map of Russia on atmospheric pollutants. JINR and SSU are going to organize a similar joint environmental project. Scientists have already planned research to study the atmospheric aerosol, which fell in the Saratov Region this spring.

In addition to these works, the possibilities of neutron activation analysis in assessing the state of water were presented on the example of projects with South Africa and Egypt. Moreover, works were presented to study the effect of silver nanoparticles on the cognitive abilities of mice in the context of the possibility of nanoparticles overcoming the blood-brain barrier.

The workshop participants learned about the possibility to prepare bachelor’s and master’s theses on such topics at FLNP JINR under the supervision of laboratory scientists.