Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

School of Science

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content
  • Nuclear test

    The first nuclear weapon test in Australia was Operation Hurricane, detonated 3rd October 1952 in the Montebello Islands.

Related Contents

The radiological impact of historical nuclear testing on the marine environment of the Montebello Islands, Western Australia

The Montebello Islands are a unique archipelago off the West Australian coast, due to the combination of their high ecological significance and history as a nuclear testing site. Three separate nuclear weapons tests were detonated in the archipelago, which is part of the Montebello/Barrow Islands Marine Park, from 1953-1956. The archipelago is now frequented by recreational fishermen but has otherwise remained free of any significant additional anthropogenic impact for the last 60 years. However, no major efforts of remediation or large-scale investigation of the radiological status of the region have occurred. With this in mind, a recent survey was conducted by the Australia’s Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) that highlighted the necessity for an extended investigation of the impacts of nuclear testing on the marine system.

Anthropogenic radionuclides to be assessed will include 90Sr, 137Cs, U isotopes, Pu isotopes and 241Am. We will assess the spatial distribution and input history of radionuclides into the marine system via assessment of regional bottom sediments. This will specifically include an investigation of vegetated areas in the marine park, such as mangroves and seagrass meadows. Natural processes that may have impacted the distribution and dispersion of anthropogenic radionuclides will be assessed with natural radionuclides as tracers (210Pb, 210Po, 234Th and Ra isotopes).

Data collected will be used, along with dynamic modelling techniques, to model future radionuclide fate and behaviour. This will allow for better mid- and long-term predictions, of importance due to the age of the Montebello Island test sites and absence of acute phase monitoring. Doses to key organisms will also be calculated and an investigation of radionuclide infiltration and transfer within the regional trophic web will be conducted.

This project aims to:

  • Quantify the current distribution of key anthropogenic radionuclides in the marine ecosystem that may present a risk to the environment;
  • Identify and assess the extent that natural processes have influenced the fate and behaviour of anthropogenic radionuclides;
  • Calculate doses for key organisms from the marine trophic web
  • Assess the overall radiation risk to marine organisms and human visitors in the Montebello Island region.

Project Duration

2019-2022

Funding Agencies

Proposed: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)

Researchers

Ms Madison Hoffman
Professor Pere Masqué
Dr Mathew Johansen, Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)

Skip to top of page