NRI technology to tackle increasing marine pollution

By Ifham Nizam

The Power and Energy Ministry plans to use Nuclear Radio Isotope (NRI) technology to manage sea water pollution.

The Island learns that this follows recent studies conducted by the Marine Pollution Prevention Authority (MPPA) on sea water contamination.

Atomic Energy Authority of Sri Lanka officials said that records indicated that for the first time contamination had got out of control in the seas surrounding Sri Lanka.

Earlier this week a workshop on sea water management was held for scientists, managers, officials and researchers. It was organised by AEASL.

A sample test on seawater was also done in Panadura and Wadduwa to determine the pollution level in sea water.

AEASL, on the instructions of Power and Energy Minister Champika Ranawaka, put an end to the use of substandard X-ray machines at private medical clinics as they posed a huge threat to the health of the people.

"The X-ray machines require AEASL approval for their use at medical clinics as the haphazard use of X-ray machines is a huge health risk to the human body. Therefore, it is illegal to use an X-ray machine without the AEASL approval," a release from the Power and Energy Ministry said.

Minister Ranawaka has also instructed the AEASL to conduct raids and take legal action against clinics that use unauthorised X-ray machines.


According to Ranawaka, Isotope techniques, using atomic energy, will also be an ideal solution to avoid further deterioration of dams.

The system would help to halt seepage and leakage affecting dams.

Earlier this week, Ranawaka had lengthy discussions with senior officials of the National Atomic Energy Authority to popularise the system.

"Isotope technology is a tool to detect leakage paths of existing dams to perform cost effective repair and modifications," said Minister Ranawaka.

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