The peaceful use of atom (atomic energy) is going to increase manifold in the coming years in areas such as power, medicine, food, agriculture, sludge hygienisation and sterilisation, said S. Kannan, director, Radiochemistry and Isotope Group at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)-Mumbai.
He was delivering a keynote address on ‘DAE at a glance’ as part of the inaugural ceremony of 102nd DAE BRNS-IANCAS National Workshop on ‘Radiochemistry and Applications of Radioisotopes’ at GITAM School of Science (SoS) on Monday.
Participating as chief guest, Mr. Kannan said 22 nuclear power plants are currently operating in the country with a total installed capacity of 6,780 MW and 10 more are under construction. In addition, there are research reactors operating at Trombay and Kalpakkam which are used for basic and applied research, radioisotope production and testing of materials. The radio-isotopes produced from these research and power reactors are used for radiation sterilisation of medical products, production of radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear medicine and cancer treatment.
The radio-isotopes are also used for production of improved varieties of seeds in agriculture, radiation processing of food items like spices, onions, potatoes, and mangoes. Radiation technologies developed at BARC have also been used for various industrial applications like radiography, gamma-ray densitometers, radiography cameras and food irradiators, he added.
Mr. Kannan answered questions raised by budding scientists. Before the talk, he launched Synergia, a science club which will foster social interactions with students through recreational activities.
Former head of Analytical Chemistry Division at BARC-Mumbai A.V.R. Reddy took part in an interactive session on ‘Radioactivity and Nuclear Decay’ on the occasion. Siraj Ahmed Ansari from BARC and GITAM SoS pro-Vice Chancellor N. Siva Prasad also participated in the programme.
