In chemistry student Dorontina Domi first couple of months of her placement at BGS, she has rotated between different laboratories including organics, collagen extraction and modern environmental gas analysis. This has provided her with a broad experience of the different instruments and sample preparation techniques that are required within BGS Stable Isotope Facility (SIF). In this blog, Dorontina tells us about some of her experiences so far. 

Carbon and nitrogen isotopes in organic materials

A wide array of instruments in the SIF can be used to analyse the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotope composition of organic materials found in sediments, soils and plant materials. The bulk of the analysis is carried out using an Elementar isoprime precisION isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) with a vario ISOTOPE cube elemental analyser (EA). The samples are combusted in the EA and are then passed onto the IRMS on a continuous flow of helium carrier gas, selected for its inertness and separation efficiency for measurement.

While learning sample preparation, I gained experience in using microbalances to weigh samples down to 200 micrograms (or 0.0002 grams), which is a miniscule amount that is challenging to see with the naked eye. I compacted the weighed sample material into either crucibles or capsules, depending on the instrument and their auto sampling methods.

When analysing these sample materials for C isotopes, it is important to understand whether the results are representing organic or inorganic C fractions contained in the material. Organic carbon consists of compounds sourced from living organisms and their remains, and inorganic carbon, such as from carbonates, is formed from biological and geological processes. The two forms of C have very distinct isotope compositions (inorganic C typically has more carbon-13 compared organic C) and even a small amount of inorganic C contamination in samples can offset target organic C isotope values.

Samples must therefore be treated to remove inorganic C prior to isotope analysis. I acidified samples using hydrochloric acid (HCl) and rinsed them with purified water, using a centrifuge to ensure thorough washing, until the pH tested neutral. This process dissolves the inorganic C fraction and isolates the organic C fraction.

SIF houses 13 mass spectrometers, so I have also gained experience in how staff conduct maintenance, such as on the Elementar IRMS. I assisted in replacing the consumables to ensure that the analyses are performed with a high precision and accuracy.

Carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotopes in prehistoric bone samples

Comparing carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope ratios from carnivores and their prey allows us to distinguish the palaeo-diet of animals and the of different species. This allows us to interpret their relationships during different ages and draw inferences from the data on changes associated with climate differences. For example, the higher the nitrogen isotope composition (δ¹⁵N) the more ‘carnivore-like’ feeding habits took place, therefore the main prey for each species can be identified.

Statistical tools called Bayesian mixing models will be used as a framework to integrate the large proportion of data from throughout modern and Pleistocene times and to infer the relevant data. Through this, the project will assess how changes in climate and environment influenced the feeding behaviour of the wolves and their resilience during reductions in prey availability. This information is crucial to understand the influence climate change will have on the endangered species in the future and help conservation strategies.

As part of the sampling programme, I was given an opportunity to spend a day at the laboratories in London, where I observed the meticulous drilling process used to cut small pieces of material from a variety of different fossil species for later analysis. The samples were cut from areas that will minimise damage of the structural integrity of the bone for conservation purposes.

As well as fossil samples, the project is also analysing contemporary wolves from Croatia and their prey as a comparison. These samples are less than 100 years old and required an initial solvent treatment in the geomicrobiology lab before collagen extraction could begin.

I have also helped to prepare the samples for isotope analysis, where a multi-step process takes place to extract the collagen, before it is purified and analysed via the EA-IRMS.

Carbon isotopes in methane samples

Another aspect of my training coversÌýanalysing methane (CH₄) gas samples for their carbon isotope composition using a Sercon HS2022 with CyroGas.

This instrument works by purifying the sample gas via carbon dioxide (CO₂) traps and a cryogenic gas trap to remove any other sources of carbon present that are not from CH₄, thus reducing potential sources of contamination. The sample gas then flows through a combustion tube, where the CH₄ is converted to CO₂ and cryogenic trapping takes place, ensuring that the CO₂ is concentrated in the final trap and can be released to the mass spectrometer rapidly. This allows for a narrow, sharp peak that can be analysed and replicated with a high precision. I also hope to help with the analysis of hydrogen (H) isotopes via the pyrolysis of CH₄ to H₂.

Working at BGS as a student

If you are an undergraduate student looking for an opportunity within stable isotopes, I highly recommend BGS. Not only is it the largest UK producer of stable isotope data, but it is also a supportive workplace to be a part of. There are a variety of clubs to involve yourself in such as the BGS Wilding Group. Staff and volunteers maintain the natural areas at BGS to promote wildlife biodiversity, as a commitment to sustainability.

I would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone at the Stable Isotope Facility for welcoming me with such support and excitement. It has been an incredible start to the placement and I am looking forward to the rest of the year!

About the author 

Dorontina Domi is an undergraduate chemistry student at the University of Surrey, completing her industrial placement at SIF, which is located at BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire. 

I recently had the opportunity to attend and present at the 13th International Conference on Methods and Applications of Radioanalytical Chemistry (MARC XIII) in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, USA. This conference is an international forum for discussing advances in radioanalytical chemistry and its applications.

As a PhD student, attending MARC XIII was an invaluable experience. The conference gave me the opportunity to share the latest findings of my project, as well as to engage with researchers from all over the world and gain insights into nuclear forensics and analytical chemistry.

During the conference, I delivered a presentation entitled ‘Exploring the analysis and diagnostic value of oxygen isotopes for nuclear forensics’. My talk focused on the method development of microfluorination, which enables precise oxygen isotope analysis using minimal sample sizes. I discussed the optimisation of the fluorination reaction, thereby improving oxygen yields and the relevance of this technique to forensic investigations of nuclear materials.

The method I have been working on has the potential to enhance the nuclear forensic toolkit by providing reliable oxygen isotope signatures from oxide materials, including heavy metal oxides. I also shared preliminary results from test samples and outlined plans for applying the method to other laboratories.

As well as presenting, I attended various sessions covering topics, including: Ìý

• environmental radioactivity measurements
• activation analysis
• radiation detectors and instrumentation
• nuclear proliferation prevention and safeguards
• mass spectrometry methods for detecting radioactive materials

It was inspiring to experience the interdisciplinary nature of the field and to see how researchers are pushing the boundaries within radiochemistry.

One of the standout moments of the conference was a student networking event that brought together students and researchers from various US national nuclear laboratories. It was a fantastic opportunity to have informal, face-to-face conversations with professionals from places like , , and . As a student based outside the USA, I found it incredibly valuable to learn more about the kinds of research being done at these institutions and to hear about career pathways, postdoctoral opportunities and collaborative projects.

Of course, being in Hawai’i added to the experience! While most of the time was dedicated to sessions and discussions, I managed to take some time to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, which made the conference even more memorable.

Attending MARC XIII was a valuable experience that allowed me to engage with the global research community. The feedback and connections I gained will undoubtedly shape the next stages of my PhD research. I’m excited to follow up with the researchers I met and to explore potential collaborations. I look forward to future conferences and events in the field of radioanalytical chemistry.

About the author

Paulina is a third-year PhD student at BGS and the University of Nottingham. Her PhD is funded by AWE.

Despite a steady rise in the number of young people pursuing educational routes into to geography, earth and environmental sciences (GEES), the under-representation of students from lower socio-economic and some marginalised ethnic backgrounds continues to be a significant issue. Aligned with BGS’s strategic goal of fostering a sustainable and diverse future workforce within the geological sciences, BGS equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) team has been actively working on several engagement initiatives to help address this.

The Royal Geographical Society has analysed the participation and progression trends of students studying geography from GCSE through to undergraduate entry. Their research showed that, between the academic years of 2009 to 20210 and 2017 to 2018, GCSE geography entries were lower among disadvantaged students who were eligible for or had received free school meals at any point, with an 11.1 per cent gap recorded in 2018. In addition, when the data was disaggregated by ethnicity, Black students had disproportionally lower entry and attainment levels in comparison to other groups. These trends persisted through A-levels and undergraduate admissions, reflecting wider concerns about diversity in GEES education and related professions, as highlighted by national statistics and comparative studies.

The relevance of this research is underscored by a 2024 report by the Key Group, which revealed UK-wide challenges in meeting the Labour Government pledge to guarantee two weeks’ worth of work experience for every young person. Between 2018 and 2019, and 2023 and 2024, fewer than 50 per cent of Year 10 students participated in any work experience and under 2 per cent of those met the government target. This presents a key issue not just for young people but also for employers, as the right work experience interventions are a significant contributor in addressing skill shortages, which are estimated to be costing the UK economy approximately £20 billion a year.

Our initiatives are underpinned by research on the role of work experience in enhancing employability and career awareness, as well as research on the barriers that prevent marginalised students from accessing these opportunities. They challenge negative perceptions of GEES careers and broaden our reach through strategic partnerships that may help mitigate the geographical and financial factors limiting students’ access to BGS.

So far, we have targeted under-represented people aged 15 to 18 with initiatives that aim to:

• support the academic and career development of students across various stages
• diversify the representation of the next generation
• address negative perceptions surrounding the geoscience field, such as views that it is exclusive, uninteresting or offers limited job opportunities
• raise BGS’s profile within the job market, helping to attract future talent
• create avenues for BGS to gather insights from enthusiastic students who bring innovative ideas and diverse viewpoints
• deliver a range of career and academic development activities, with the objective of equipping participants with the confidence and skills necessary to succeed or become more resilient in their future academic and professional pursuits

Work experience feedback

Creative Tuition work experience

In October 2024, BGS and the (BAS) launched a collaborative virtual work experience programme, in partnership with student development experts and . Approximately 20 to 25 per cent of participants were either eligible for free school meals or lived within areas with the lowest rates of progression to higher education. Additionally, 69 per cent identified as female and 39 per cent were from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.

As well as broadening their career perspectives, students were actively engaged in design thinking challenges that focused on addressing our real-time priority areas. This hands-on experience not only strengthened their problem solving and critical thinking skills, but also provided our institutions with valuable insights on how to resolve our ongoing challenges.  

51ÁÔÆæ tasked students with finding exciting ways to communicate the various roles and importance of geoscientific staff to younger audiences (aged up to eight years). This task, titled ‘Geology heroes’, saw students like Renee, Ruby, Sharvari and Smaragda develop creative comic book characters and storyboards, and offer suggestions on how to disseminate the content. Similarly, BAS challenged the students to design underwater gliders capable of tracking algal blooms in Antarctic coastal sea water, with a focus on energy sources and harsh, icy conditions. The students proposed several design strategies, including the use of sonar technology to help the gliders detect icebergs and monitor changes in sea-water composition and temperature.

The measurable impact of the programme was shown by the positive feedback from students, with 94 per cent either agreeing or strongly agreeing that the work experience was beneficial and that they felt supported throughout the process. Over 80 per cent of the students reported improvements in their communication, presentation, research and collaboration skills. Feedback also showed an improvement in workplace confidence. Notably, in the months following the programme, one student from a marginalised background credited the work experience with helping them secure a nuclear engineering apprenticeship.

Springpod virtual work experience

Alongside this work experience, BGS also created another online work experience platform, running from September 2024 until April 2025. Partnering with work-based learning platform , we offered this virtual work experience for students aged between 13 and 18. As we were able to offer a programme that allowed students to learn at their own pace over a course of months, we could offer more flexibility than traditional work experience roles.

The course covered five topics:

• EDI in the geosciences
• landscapes and geology
• managing water resources and fossil collections
• monitoring multi-hazards
• employability skills

We used a multimedia platform to deliver information including video content, interactive slideshows and text and offered example tasks that replicated the day-to-day responsibilities of BGS team members, giving participants a glimpse of what different geoscience careers could involve. We also offered a ‘mock interview’ to help students improve their confidence at interview stage.

Almost 900 students enrolled in the course and we noted positive strides in the demographic of the participants completing the programme:

• 48 per cent of participants were female
• 34 per cent were from a marginalised ethnic background
•  21 per cent of students indicated that they would be first-generation university attendees
• 24 per cent mentioned they were either in care or have been eligible for school meals
• 11 per cent shared that they have special education needs

Data analyses on the programme also showed that over half of the participants reached bronze, silver or gold status of engagement and programme completion. Additionally, the average satisfaction rating was 8.1/10, with students complementing the real-life tasks that let them apply their acquired knowledge. Encouragingly, students who completed the programme reported increased awareness (97 per cent) of careers in the geoscience industry as well as increased confidence (85 per cent) to pursue these careers.

Future opportunities

While the work experience we’ve provided so far has strongly demonstrated the ability to positively influence the career trajectories of students, longer-term investment is required to enable continued impact and ensure that opportunities for under-represented students are not intermittent. To this end, the has been renewed for another year and will be available until April 2026. A second iteration of the cross-centre virtual work experience programme will also be run during the October 2025 half-term week. For updates on the programme, please visit the BGS work experience web page and keep an eye on social media.

About the author

Maria Kariuki is BGS’s EDI officer.

As a geologist and geophysicist, my research focuses on understanding whether Scotland radiothermal granites could help unlock a new source of sustainable geothermal energy for the UK. In summer 2024, I conducted a three-week field campaign to study the potential for geothermal energy in the Cairngorms with a team of other geoscientists. 

The Cairngorms: more than just mountains

Geothermal energy is often associated with places like Iceland or other volcanic hot spots, but Scotland ancient granites may also be able to supply sustainable heat. The Cairngorm Pluton, part of the East Grampians Batholith, is one of the UK highest heat-producing granites, with intriguing geothermal potential. My work combines geophysical surveying with laboratory experiments to explore this potential, whilst addressing uncertainties about the region geology. 

Using magnetotellurics to explore below the surface

Magnetotellurics (MT) is a deep-sounding geophysical technique that uses the Earth natural electromagnetic field to produce images of the conductivity properties of the rocks in the subsurface. It can also be used to map features like fluid pathways and fractures located several kilometres below the surface. These pathways are critical for geothermal energy because they act as conduits for the fluids transporting heat. 

During my fieldwork in the Cairngorms, we set up 24 MT stations using instruments on loan from the NERC Geophysical Equipment Facility across the region. These were deployed by a team comprising myself and: 

• 51ÁÔÆæ staff members 

• Heriot-Watt University staff 

• other postgraduate researchers 

• a Cairngorm ranger 

• a University of St Andrews undergraduate student 

The MT equipment uses two types of sensor:  (1) non-polarisable electrodes, which measure the ground electric field, and (2) induction coil magnetometers, which measure changes in the magnetic field. The setup at each site required us to bury the sensors to protect them from the fierce weather conditions.

The data collected from the sensors will allow us to produce images of the Earth electrical resistivity below the surface using a mathematical process called data inversion. Ideally, the images could show zones with lower electrical conductivity, where fractures in the rocks are present within the resistive granite. These could be potential geothermal reservoirs from which heat can be extracted.

Fieldwork challenges and discoveries

Conducting fieldwork in the beautiful but bleak Cairngorms is both rewarding and challenging. With no roads in much of the area, we had to carry our equipment, including a 20 kg battery, over many kilometres of hiking paths and sometimes beyond any trails. Navigating deep bogs, steep bouldery terrain and elevations of up to 1250 m while braving sudden weather changes was an adventure in itself. In June 2024 we had seven consecutive days of snow fall on the mountain!

In addition to the MT fieldwork, I surveyed the geological structures and outcrops and collected samples for later laboratory analysis. One memorable moment came when we discovered a zone of extensive hydrothermal alteration of the granite near Stob Coire an t-Sneachda. This is possible evidence of hot fluids chemically changing the rock many millions of years ago. This alteration is significant because it could enhance the porosity and permeability of the rock, which are crucial factors for geothermal reservoirs.

Why it matters

Geothermal energy offers a constant, low-carbon source of heat, making it a promising candidate for the UK renewable energy mix. Additionally, its small land footprint and minimal surface infrastructure requirements mean it can provide sustainable energy with reduced visual impact, preserving the natural landscape. My research aims to de-risk geothermal exploration in Scotland, providing the scientific basis for future projects that could benefit communities and combat climate change.

Next steps

With my first year of fieldwork complete, I’m back in the laboratory, analysing samples and processing the MT data to build a three-dimensional resistivity map of the Cairngorm Pluton. Combining geophysical models with laboratory-based analyses will bring us closer to understanding the geothermal potential of this region of Scotland.

Thanks

Thanks go to Nathaniel Forbes Inskip and Andreas Busch from Heriot-Watt University and Juliane Huebert from BGS.

All images kindly reproduced with permission. For enquiries about the images within this article, please contact the copyright team (IPR@bgs.ac.uk).

My name is Paulina Baranowska and I’m a second year PhD student. My project is hosted at BGS, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and funded by AWE.

Project aims

The aim of my PhD project is to advance nuclear forensic science by investigating the use of oxygen isotopes as a nuclear forensic signature, and to develop a novel technique to measure the oxygen composition of nuclear materials. I am using surface-science techniques to understand the impact of corrosion and exposure to varying environmental conditions on nuclear materials, and the influence this has on the oxygen isotope signature.

Surface-science techniques are valuable tools for assessing the effect of corrosion on materials and include:

• scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• X-ray diffraction (XRD)
• X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
• thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)

Together, these techniques can provide a complete picture of how environmental changes affect both the surface and bulk of a studied material, and enhance our understanding of the forensic signatures incorporated by these materials. This understanding enables us to determine their origin and history more precisely.

The project also aims to obtain a better understanding of how to design appropriate methods for oxygen isotope analysis using various analytical techniques. This research represents a novel and interdisciplinary approach to nuclear forensics that combines surface-science chemistry, material behaviour and stable-isotope geochemistry.

What is nuclear forensic science?

Nuclear forensic science focuses on the examination and identification of evidence to support governments in managing incidents involving nuclear and other radioactive materials ‘out of regulatory control’. This means incidents where nuclear or radioactive materials are not under prescribed regulatory oversight, supervision, or legal constraints, posing potential risks due to unauthorised possession, use or transfer.  

A wide range of forensic signatures is used to assess the origin of materials and inform law enforcement for further investigation​​. The production route of a trafficked or lost material, including where, when and how the material was produced, can be found using various analytical techniques.

The role of oxygen isotopes

Using the oxygen isotope composition of materials for nuclear forensic purposes is a new and novel approach. Oxygen isotopes have been used as an environmental tracer for the past 70 years, as the balance of oxygen isotopes in natural materials is influenced by the prevailing climate and surrounding environment, including factors such as temperature, humidity and the source of water. This can provide insight into the geographical origin of materials or the conditions they have been exposed to, which is highly valuable to forensic investigations.

As natural materials form, they capture the oxygen isotope composition of the surrounding environment at the time of their formation, which is the basis of palaeoclimate research and environmental change reconstructions. However, this is also true for conditions and processes in modern environmental settings, including corrosion processes.

Corrosion involves a gradual deterioration of metal surfaces via a chemical reaction to reach a more chemically stable form (for example, oxidation of a metal to an oxide or hydroxide). The incorporation of a specific oxygen isotope composition in a corrosion product will reflect the ambient and geographic conditions that it formed under, providing a distinctive oxygen isotope signature that can be analysed to trace the material exposure history. Oxygen isotopes can therefore potentially be used as a forensic tracer to differentiate between different geographical origins of nuclear materials. Ultimately, this can help narrow down the source of an unknown material in a forensic investigation. 

Current analytical constraints limit the use of oxygen isotopes in nuclear forensic research, particularly in the context of uranium compound analysis. Classical and laser fluorination methods, commonly used for oxygen isotope analysis, suffer from limitations such as low sample throughput, low efficiency, large sample mass and the high risk associated with using the chemical reagents required to liberate the oxygen.

Given these challenges, elemental analyser-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) is considered an alternative option. My work aims to develop an automated method of analysing heavy metal oxides using EA-IRMS. The method combines surface-science techniques with isotope geochemistry to understand controls on the oxygen isotope composition in heavy metal oxides to assess the forensic signatures and the use of oxygen isotopes as a nuclear forensic tracer.

About the author

Paulina started her PhD after completing an MChem degree at Nottingham Trent University. Her master project focused on the analysis of radioactive elements in cosmetics from the 20th century, sparking her interest in radiochemistry. Prior to beginning her PhD, Paulina had the opportunity to work as a technician in a university laboratory, which reinforced her desire to work within analytical and nuclear chemistry and encouraged her to seek out a PhD project that combined these areas of science.

My week began with a welcome tour of the research facilities at BGS and, more specifically, the geochemistry laboratories. The team provided an introduction to the field of mass spectrometry and the use of isotopes in archaeological research. The sample preparation, which happens under very precise, controlled conditions to exclude contamination, involves a huge amount work prior to analysis. It wasn’t long before I was gaining hands-on experience working with carbon isotopes from organic and inorganic materials, preparing samples and then analysing them on mass spectrometers. For me, one of the highlights was learning how to handle samples down to 40 micrograms in weight — which I can confirm is difficult to see with the naked eye!  

Geoarchaeology 

Dr Angela Lamb is well known for being one of the leading geochemists on the research into and analysis of King Richard III remains. She took the time to talk to me about the relevance and application of geochemistry in archaeological contexts. In relation to King Richard III, her detailed analysis has revealed various fascinating details about his life, for example that he lived in different locations through his childhood and into his adult years. Bones in our bodies reflect our diet and location (due to the underlying geology that creates different soil chemistries in different areas) and this type of analysis has been used in countless archaeological investigations — as featured in the TV programme ! Ìý

The BGS collections 

I was also taken on a tour of the BGS collections by Louise Neep. It was so exciting to see them in person, especially the vast fossil collections. Louise explained how conservation methods have evolved since the 18th century. I was able to see fossils that are up to 500 million years old and inspected ancient plants, trilobites and an ichthyosaur. It was thrilling to hold such ancient relics in my hands. Louise gave me a real appreciation for all the curation efforts that are taken by BGS staff members like Louise to preserve the relics for future scientific research.  

The week ended with an excellent conversation with Dan Condon, who works on dating meteorites. He explained how uranium–lead dating is used and the physics and chemistry involved, which was particularly relevant to my aspirations to be an astrophysicist.  

Overall, this was a very informative and exciting week that introduced me to various facets of laboratory life, which is very different to what we see at school. It has enhanced my understanding of which skills are essential for laboratory work, for example the high-precision, detail-oriented work on the samples, and the importance of handling scientific data. The week made me appreciate science methods and gain confidence that research in astrophysics is the ideal career for me.  

Thanks 

Thanks to all the staff at BGS who were very helpful, especially Charlotte Hipkiss, Jack Lacey, Kotryna Savickaite, Diksha Bista, Dan Condon, David King, Doris Wagner and Carol Arrowsmith. 

About the author 

Riveen Pehesara Kumanayaka is an aspiring astrophysicist who is currently studying for his A levels in physics, maths, computer science and English literature. 

There are a myriad of ways in which we engage with the public at BGS. When we think of public engagement, our minds might conjure up open days, school career talks or community-based meetings. Hopefully, we’ve all had at least one experience where having a meaningful interaction about a topic can produce the ‘feel-good’ emotions that come from being animated or passionate about something. But communicating this feeling can also be mutually enriching and could lead to something new: perhaps research ideas, new ways of thinking and understanding — or maybe even a change of career.  

When school student Dion Thompson contacted me earlier in the year, he was keen to find out more about Tristan da Cunha, an island context and community with which I’m very familiar. He was undertaking a school research project about the effects of volcanism on socioeconomic activity, particularly the effects on agriculture. He’d certainly done his research and knew how and who to reach out to! He asked me some great questions and gave me things to think about too.  

From simply being curious and conscientious, Dion 2023 was about to head in a very exciting direction. His essay on Tristan da Cunha won him a place as part of Team UK at the International Geography Olympiad, which this year was held in Bandung, Indonesia. The rest of this blog is his story, reflections and knowledge he gained from his incredible experience. 

The Geography Olympiad: Dion story

My experience at the International Geography Olympiad, known to many as iGeo, was fascinating to say the least and definitely an event to remember! It took place from 8 to14 August 2023, giving my team and the opportunity to step out of the classroom straight into the heart of Bandung, Indonesia.  

Parallel to three different exams, which explored a variety of disciplines such as geological drawing, orienteering and quickfire geographical knowledge, I was able to immerse myself into Indonesian culture and the competition I also had the opportunity to interact with people from so many different countries. It was definitely an event to remember and something I would highly recommend to anyone interested in geography!

Upon reaching Bandung, we were introduced to the international cohort of teams that we would be competing against at the Olympiad. From Bulgaria to Japan, Nigeria to Belarus, there were so many countries being represented: fitting for a geography competition! The opening ceremony spectacularly outlined what our time would be like at iGeo, as well as showcasing several performances from Indonesian dancers and musicians. Later that day, we were brought to the governor palace in Bandung to have a gala dinner. 

The next day, the competition started off strong with the written response test, worth around 40 per cent of our score. We were all quite nervous; however, after sitting the exam, my team and I felt confident in our answers (besides a few of the drainage basin questions, which I had yet to learn about in class!) I found the written response test extremely engaging as, rather than having to memorise answers, I was able to utilise the geography knowledge I already had, making it a much more rewarding exam to complete. 

Day three was the fieldwork test, possibly the most strenuous test both mentally and physically. We were driven to the mountainous outskirts of Bandung, where we had to complete multiple fieldwork activities including mapping, data collection, zoning of the local area and drawing geological sketches. It was extremely satisfying to see how the data we collected in the rainforest and nearby town had to be utilised in the fieldwork exam. It was also a great way to see the natural beauty of Indonesia; I had never been in a rainforest before and there were so many different animals roaming around as we conducted our exam. It was a world unlike any that I’d ever experienced. 

Day four was the first day free from exams, allowing us to breathe a little bit in preparation for the multimedia test on the penultimate day. We spent our time taking an excursion to the Tangkuban Perahu volcano with its massive caldera and sulphurous clouds bubbling up to the edge. It was a sublime sight and for, many of us, it was our first time seeing an active volcano.  

Our poster presentation took place that evening: in preparation for iGeo, Team UK had worked on a poster focusing on the diversity of Britain. My section focused on the architecture of Croydon, my home town. Presenting in a grand expo hall was nerve-wracking, but we eased into it and got to learn about so many other amazing countries! 

The multimedia test took place on day five, examining us on a wide range of geographical topics. To cool off afterwards we took part in a traditional sports day, where we learned many new activities including walking on stilts, archery using blowguns, a sack race and a six-legged race! We even had a 400 m race between Teams UK and Australia! 

The closing ceremony took place on our final day. After an excursion to a mesmerising sculpture park, the medallists of the competition were announced in the evening. Everyone was extremely excited and nervous for the results and, as the bronze medallists were revealed, I was shocked to see my name come up on screen! Surrounded by cheers and somewhat bewildered, I walked up to the stage where I received my medal and held the Union Jack up alongside the other bronze medallists holding their countries’ flags. It was so surreal to have won a medal for Team UK and it was incredible to celebrate with the rest of my team and the friends I had made at iGeo after the ceremony had ended. 

All in all, the International Geography Olympiad was an incredible and invaluable experience for me and everyone else who attended. As a geography student, seeing my subject in this kind of grandeur was truly unforgettable. Special thanks to Anna, Sylvie and Charlotte from Team UK; Adit, Jasmine, Tom and Marcus from Team Australia; Gold from Team Nigeria; Douglas from Team Taiwan; Brayden and Xavier from Team Canada, and Jonas and Rune from Team Belgium, amongst others, for contributing to all the positive memories I made at iGeo, as well as Jen, Jo and Sue for organising iGeo for Team UK. Thanks also to BGS for helping me on my journey to iGeo. 

To those reading this, I hope this has not only persuaded you to learn more about this fantastic event, but also helped you realise that there are so many amazing opportunities out there, All you’ve got to do is take that chance and make it your own.Ìý

About the authors

Dion is now applying for earth science-related subjects at university and hopes to visit BGS soon for work experience.Ìý

Soil erosion processes present the greatest risk to land degradation worldwide and, due to fertile soil being an essential resource, there is increasing concern around the world regarding accelerated soil erosion, particularly in developing countries.

The analysis of plutonium (Pu) in soil samples can inform the understanding of soil erosion processes globally. However, there are specific challenges associated with such analysis in tropical soils, so an optimal analytical methodology that ensures the best sensitivity is critical.

Why use plutonium?

Due to their long retention times and minimal spatial variability, Pu isotopes have proven useful as an alternative fallout radionuclide tracer for determining soil erosion rates. To utilise Pu as an effective soil erosion tracer in the southern hemisphere, separation techniques and analyses need to be optimised to establish a robust analytical method for the determination of ultra-trace level Pu isotopes. This method must also have sufficient sensitivity for African soil samples, which typically have very low Pu concentrations compared to the northern hemisphere.

This research aimed to accurately establish fallout Pu activity concentrations in tropical soils in order to determine soil erosion rates with an improved separation and analysis method for ultra-trace Pu determination. To achieve this aim we had to:

• adapt and optimise a separation method using trialkyl methylammonium nitrate (TEVA) cartridges to remove matrix interferences with pre-concentration of ultra-trace Pu isotopes (this reduced waste and increased throughput)
• establish a robust analytical method for the determination of ultra-trace level Pu isotopes with sufficient sensitivity for African soil samples using oxygen as a reaction gas for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

The development of robust analytical methods to determine rates of soil erosion and its effect on land degradation is vital to advise mitigation strategies, ultimately ensuring the future sustainability of soils.

Sophia Dowell, PhD student at BGS.

Where does the plutonium come from?

Pu is present in the environment primarily because of nuclear weapons testing. Between 1945 and 1980, 520 atmospheric tests were conducted worldwide; however, only 10 per cent of these experiments were conducted in the southern hemisphere. This resulted in significantly less fallout in the tropics than in the mid-latitudes of the northern hemisphere, which makes the analysis of ultra-trace Pu isotopes in tropical soils challenging.

The challenge of plutonium analysis

Due to their long retention time and minimal spatial variability, Pu isotopes have recently been used as an alternative fallout radionuclide tracer for determining soil erosion rates. As a result of the long half-lives of ²³⁹Pu and ²⁴⁰Pu (24 110 and 6561 years, respectively), approximately 99 per cent of the original activity remains in soils. This means they are suitable as stable, long-term tracers compared to, for example, 137 caesium (Cs), despite Cs’s significantly higher activity in the environment, as Cs only has a half-life of 30 years. Additionally, more than six times as many atoms of ²³⁹Pu and ²⁴⁰Pu were initially dispersed compared to ¹³⁷Cs. This combination of long half-life and higher atom content makes mass spectrometry (MS) techniques better suited to Pu isotopes, whereas radiometric decay counting techniques are more appropriate for the higher specific activity ¹³⁷Cs.

Consequently, recent developments in mass spectrometry techniques have the potential to increase the sensitivity of Pu isotope quantification and subsequently the availability of analytical methods applicable to tropical soils. This raises the potential of using Pu as a soil erosion tracer in the tropics, where the risk of soil degradation is increasing due to extreme weather patterns.

A powerful tool

This method presents a simple, cost-effective, robust sequence with reduced laboratory waste disposal, which is vital to ensure the separation method is applicable to low-resource laboratories. Along with the low detection limits that are comparable to alternative MS methods, this outcome makes the method applicable to the detection of ultra-trace fallout Pu in African soils.

Due to increasing concern regarding accelerated soil erosion and its impact on sustainable intensification of agriculture in developing countries, this work provides advancements in the detection of Pu. The new method is also a powerful tool for the analysis of ultra-trace Pu in African soils, ultimately improving the determination of soil erosion rates in tropical soils to better inform mitigation strategies.

This method has the potential to improve access to advanced soil erosion measurements that could be produced faster than traditional laboratory techniques to enable analyses at scale, yet with greater accuracy than machine learning predictions based on remote sensing data in developing countries which are most at risk to land degradation.

Sophia Dowell, PhD student at BGS.

Funding

51ÁÔÆæ led the research in conjunction with the University of Plymouth and the University of Eldoret in Kenya.

Sophia PhD was supported by the NERC funded ARIES doctoral training programme (grant number NE/S007334/1), and from the NERC International National Capability grants to BGS (NE/R000069/1 and NE/X006255/1), Royal Society International Collaboration grant (ICA/R1/191077), British Academy (WW21100104) and BGS University Funding Initiative (GA/19S/017).

More information

The full research paper is available: .