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IAEA-Supported Laboratory Opens to Fight Microplastics in Galapagos Islands

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The Galapagos Islands where the Oceanography and Microplastics Laboratory, supported by the IAEA, was established to monitor and analyse microplastic pollution.

A new laboratory supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was officially inaugurated this month in the Galapagos Islands to address the growing threat of marine microplastic pollution.

The Oceanography and Microplastics Laboratory was established by the government in Ecuador, with support from the IAEA, to monitor and analyse microplastic pollution in the Galapagos Islands. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos Islands are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity and unique evolutionary adaptations, shaped by their remote location some 1000 kilometres west of mainland Ecuador.

While a robust monitoring and cleanup programme is in place to tackle the estimated six tonnes of plastic waste that wash ashore on the islands each year, microplastics — plastic particles smaller than five millimetres — pose a more complex challenge for the Galapagos National Park, a protected area encompassing 97% of the islands.

Nuclear-derived techniques can help detect and analyse microplastic particles too small for traditional monitoring. The laboratory is now analysing water samples and will be able to analyse sediment, and biota samples from the islands at a microscopic scale to identify the types of polymers and improve the understanding of how they disperse in the marine environment where they can endanger marine life.

In a video address at the opening ceremony for the laboratory on 17 July, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the laboratory — situated on the Santa Cruz Island — will be an active partner in environmental monitoring and reporting of microplastic pollution for Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.

“The laboratory offers new opportunities to conduct studies on the environmental impact on the vulnerable and relevant biodiversity of the Islands, helping authorities to take and implement more precise control measures aimed at the protection and conservation of the Galapagos National Park,” he added.

The new laboratory marks a significant milestone in the IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics initiative, which has supported countries since its launch in 2020 in researching microplastics and applying nuclear techniques to enhance recycling processes. The support to the Galapagos Islands follows the IAEA’s work in Antarctica — another valuable ecosystem — with the launch of microplastics research there in 2024.

The data generated in the new laboratory will enable local and national authorities to more accurately assess plastic pollution levels and design targeted strategies to mitigate their impact. The information will also feed into the IAEA’s coordinated efforts under the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco to build a global network of laboratories with analytical capacities to monitor and mitigate marine microplastic pollution.

The IAEA, through its technical cooperation programme, has also strengthened monitoring and analytical capacities in institutions such as the Galapagos National Park and the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) in Guayaquil, to address the growing threat of marine pollution from microplastics in the Galapagos Islands. The IAEA has allocated nearly €1 million to provide the new laboratory with equipment and training for monitoring marine stressors such as ocean acidification, eutrophication, and microplastic pollution — all of which threaten the region’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems.

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Nuclear Science and Nuclear Security Infrastructure to Protect Rare Rhinos: IAEA-Supported Project Marks a Milestone

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The Rhisotope Project team inserting radioactive isotopes into rhino horns. (Martin Klinenboeck/IAEA)

In a pioneering effort to combat wildlife trafficking of the threatened rhinoceros, a South African University today began implementing a project supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The project combines the safe insertion of radioactive isotopes into rhino horns and available nuclear security infrastructure to deter and detect illegal poaching.

With over 10,000 rhinos lost to poaching in the past decade, South Africa – home to the world’s largest population of rhinos – remains a target for criminals driven by the illegal trade of rhino horn. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the South African Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment reported 103 rhinos poached. In response, this project run by the University of the Witwatersrand is using radiation to support conservation and enforcement efforts.

After two years of initial tests, the Rhisotope Project was created in 2021 with the idea to tag rhino horns with radioactive material. This makes the horns detectable by radiation portal monitors (RPMs) already deployed at borders, ports and airports worldwide. These RPMs, commonly used to detect nuclear and other radioactive material, can now be harnessed against wildlife crime.

The IAEA’s support to the Rhisotope Project leverages its central role in strengthening the global nuclear security framework. With millions of vehicles and people crossing borders every day, the use of an estimated 10,000 RPMs worldwide has become a critical tool for detecting unauthorized transboundary movements of nuclear and other radioactive material.

“The Rhisotope Project shows how nuclear science and nuclear security infrastructure can be used in new ways to address global challenges,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “The IAEA is supporting countries to maximize the benefits of nuclear. By using already installed nuclear security infrastructure in novel ways, we can help protect one of the world’s most iconic and endangered species.”

At an event today in the Waterberg, Limpopo, about 250 kilometres north of Johannesburg, the University of Witwatersrand announced the results of the rigorous safety assessments conducted during the pilot phase of the project. In June last year, radioisotopes were inserted into 20 rhinos. Health monitoring and cytological examinations of 15 treated animals and a comparison of five animals not treated were conducted by Ghent University in Belgium. The test results proved that the method is non-invasive and does not pose a risk to the rhinos’ health.

“This has been an international collaboration of likeminded individuals who are trying to make a real difference to this poaching crisis,” said James Larkin, Director, Radiation and Health Physics Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand. “We started with the question – what if radiation could protect rather than harm, by turning rhino horns into traceable markers that stop poachers before they trade? After two years of digital modelling, safety testing and detection simulations, we’re ready to roll out a solution that could truly reduce rhino poaching.”

The success of project also opens the door for future applications to other endangered species.

“The methodology could be adapted to protect other endangered species like elephants or pangolins,” said Larkin.

The IAEA is providing both technical and financial support to the project under its Coordinated Research Project titled Facilitation of Safe and Secure Trade Using Nuclear Detection Technology – Detection of RN and Other Contraband. As part of the project, the Agency also supports countries in their efforts to optimize the detection of radiation by the use of its Minimum Detectable Quantity and Alarm Threshold Estimation Tool, thereby allowing detection of the tagged with radiation rhino horns.

“The Rhisotope Project brings the entire global nuclear security network into play,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. “The nuclear security infrastructure that exists in many countries around the world to detect smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive material can be used to pick up the trafficking of rhino horn, and any other contraband that might be carried alongside it. Committing to nuclear security pays off in multiple ways.”

B-roll and photos will be made available here.

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Update 306 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) carried out independent measurements today to confirm that there had been no increase in radiation levels at the site, contrary to some social media posts overnight, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

Using IAEA monitoring equipment, the team members measured only normal levels during a site walkdown. Their measurements confirmed other data collected separately at the site, as well as information provided by the plant itself.

“The team took immediate action after becoming aware of these social media reports, enabling us to provide assurances that radiation levels remained unchanged. Once again, this shows the importance of the IAEA’s presence at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and Ukraine’s other nuclear power sites. Thanks to this presence, we can provide timely, factual and impartial technical information to the public about nuclear safety and security in Ukraine,” Director General Grossi said.

The general nuclear safety situation at the ZNPP remains precarious, however, with the plant continuing to rely on one single power line for the electricity it needs to cool its reactors and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions. Before the conflict, it had access to 10 external power lines.

In addition, the IAEA team reported hearing military activities almost every day over the past week, at different distances from the site, which is located on the frontline.

Earlier this week, the team members performed a walkdown of a turbine hall of one reactor unit where they were once again denied access to the western part of the hall.

The IAEA teams present at Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) — Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs – and the Chornobyl NPP site reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week. At Khmelnytskyy, the team had to shelter twice on 28 July.

Three of Ukraine’s nine operating reactor units continued to be in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance, including work on some of the off-site power lines.

As part of the IAEA’s comprehensive assistance programme to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, the Slavutych City Hospital this week received mobile radiography equipment and the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center and Hydrometeorological organizations of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine received laboratory equipment. These deliveries were funded by Australia, the European Union and Norway.  

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IAEA Mission to Zambia Finds Strong Commitment to Nuclear Security, Encourages Focus on Capacity Building

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Members of the INSServ team visited the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport during the IAEA mission to Zambia. (Photo: Radiation Protection Authority, Zambia)

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) completed an advisory service mission to Zambia focused on assessing the country’s nuclear security regime for nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control, referred to as MORC. The team recognized Zambia’s commitment to nuclear security through its efforts to prevent, detect and respond to unauthorized acts involving MORC, and pointed out capacity building and coordination among stakeholders as areas for further enhancement.

The International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ) mission was conducted at the request of the Republic of Zambia and took place from 14 to 23 July 2025. Hosted by the Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) of Zambia, the mission was led by Samer Quran, Director of the National Centre for Nuclear and Radiological Security at the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission in Jordan.

The team comprised of five experts from Argentina, Egypt, Jordan, Norway and the USA, as well as two IAEA staff members.

INSServ missions aim to support States in strengthening their ability to prevent, detect and respond to criminal and intentional unauthorized acts involving nuclear or other MORC, which is lost, missing, stolen, improperly disposed of, or inadequately stored or handled. The scope of the INSServ mission included the foundational elements of nuclear security systems and measures for MORC, as well as detection and response systems and measures.

“Following an International Physical Protection Advisory Service in 2023, the first INSServ mission in Zambia builds on the country’s ongoing efforts to improve its nuclear security regime by leveraging the available IAEA assistance mechanisms,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “We are looking forward to continued cooperation with Zambia’s competent authorities for strengthening nuclear security.”

During the mission to Zambia, the team conducted a series of meetings with officials from the RPA, the Office of the President, the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Technology and Science, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Zambia Police Service, National Anti-Terrorism Center, Immigration Department, Zambia Airports Cooperation, Civil Aviation Authority and Zambia Revenue Authority.

The team also conducted site visits to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, the Kazungula (land) Border, the RPA Inland Office in Livingstone, the Kapiri-Mposhi Railway Station and the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research.

“The country has made progress in developing and implementing nuclear security measures at its borders and within its territory. The mission confirmed Zambia’s commitment to further improvements concluding that the country should continue to build on its efforts to strengthen multi-agency cooperation and coordination among national competent authorities responsible for nuclear security,” said Samer Quran, the INSServ Team Leader.

To further enhance its nuclear security capabilities, the team recommended that Zambia develop comprehensive training programmes for its personnel, including exercises. The experts identified good practices in the field of information security and in processes aimed at reducing the risk of insider threats.

“The INSServ mission marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s commitment to strengthening nuclear security. The recommendations received will guide our efforts to build a robust and resilient nuclear security regime, protecting our people from the risks posed by nuclear and radioactive material outside regulatory control,” said Boster D. Siwila, Executive Director of the RPA.

The IAEA’s INSServ mission is part of its ongoing efforts to assist Member States in strengthening their nuclear security regimes in relation to MORC. The Agency provides a range of services in this area, including expert advice, training and equipment support, to help Member States protect against criminal or intentional unauthorized acts involving such materials.

The draft findings and recommendations were presented to the Republic of Zambia, and the final report will be presented in about three months.

Background

The mission was the 89th INSServ mission conducted by the IAEA, since the programme began in 2006.

INSServ missions, based on the INSServ guidelines published in 2019, assist States in establishing, maintaining and strengthening their nuclear security regime related to nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control.

The missions provide independent advice on implementing international instruments, along with IAEA guidance on the prevention and detection of and response to criminal and intentional unauthorized acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control. 

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Singapore: IAEA Supports Southeast Asia’s Clean Energy Ambitions

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi meets President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in Singapore.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi visited Singapore last week to reaffirm support to the country and the wider region, as interest grows in Southeast Asia for nuclear power and technology.  

During his trip, Mr Grossi met with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng. Their conversations focused on the region’s growing interest in nuclear energy, peaceful applications of nuclear technology such as in health and food security, and the importance of effective multilateralism. 

Singapore is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), many of whose members are considering nuclear power. 

“This visit confirmed what we are seeing worldwide: momentum is building, and ASEAN’s interest in nuclear energy is real and promising,” said Mr Grossi. “This stable and low-carbon option clearly has a role to play in the region’s energy future.” 

This topic was also covered during his meeting with Singapore’s president, which Mr Grossi called “an honour” and said: “Our exchange touched on shared priorities for a safer, more sustainable future.”  

This collaborative approach was also reflected in his meeting with the prime minister.

The Director General’s meeting with Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng focused on nuclear energy perspectives in East Asia and globally. “With technology advancing rapidly, IAEA stands ready to support countries in the safe development of nuclear,” said Mr Grossi. 

Mr Grossi bolstered the IAEA’s ties with Singapore by signing an agreement to extend the IAEA–Singapore partnership with the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment’s Grace Fu.  

“We will further support through Rays of Hope, including the establishment of one of Asia’s first proton therapy centres, as well as NUTEC Plastics, Atoms4Food and more,” said the Director General. 

The National University of Singapore’s Nuclear Research and Safety Institute (SNRSI) invited Mr Grossi to deliver the S R Nathan Fellowship Lecture on the global energy landscape and renewed momentum for nuclear energy, where the Director General said he appreciated “the thoughtful questions and engagement from students in the audience”. 

He also visited the SNRSI and the National Environment Agency’s radiological laboratories. 

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How Nuclear Technology is Testing Pistachios for Toxins

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Climate change is expected to accelerate the spread of mycotoxins like aflatoxins and heavy metal contamination in food, which could have devastating consequences for food safety and public health for countries already struggling with food insecurity, 

As global food systems grow more complex and climate risks intensify, countries will need more portable, affordable and scalable tools such as these, especially in regions where conventional laboratory testing is inaccessible.  

The IAEA, through its Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, undertakes research and development to develop nuclear and complementary tools to detect food hazards that threaten food security, trade and public health.  

Under the Atoms4Food initiative and in cooperation with the FAO, the IAEA has developed cost-effective and portable techniques that allow for the rapid testing of a large number of samples, including field-deployable tools, to support food safety emergency responses. 

Food safety experts in Seibersdorf are working to extend this type of application to cover more categories of contaminants in other food products based on Member State needs. The FSCL has also adapted the same sensor platform to detect fumonisins (harmful mycotoxins linked to cancer and birth defects) in maize and maize products and toxic metals such as lead in fruit juices. This flexibility makes the technique a powerful tool in enhancing food safety. 

Vlachou said, “The IAEA is creating resilient and robust interventions to assist food safety stakeholders in countries around the world, maintaining safety and hygiene at required levels to avoid foodborne illnesses.”

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Update 305 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The IAEA team based at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has been informed of further military attacks on targets in the city of Enerhodar, where most plant staff live, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

Earlier today, the IAEA team members were taken to two places in the city to observe damage they were told had been caused by shelling and drone strikes on Friday, including to a building where they saw debris and broken windows. The IAEA team could not immediately confirm the exact timing or cause of the damage.

The ZNPP training centre – located outside the site – has also been targeted several times this year, according to information provided by the plant.  In addition, the IAEA team was last week shown indications of shelling damage at other places in Enerhodar, located around 5 km from the ZNPP.

In recent months, there have been numerous reports of drone attacks and other incidents in the vicinity of the ZNPP and Ukraine’s other nuclear facilities.

Such attacks could have an impact on nuclear safety and security as they would likely further add to the pressure and stress facing plant staff during the conflict, Director General Grossi said.

“Regardless of the intended targets, shelling or drone attacks near nuclear power plants must not occur as any such military activity can have adverse physical or psychological consequences for plant staff and therefore also potentially for nuclear safety and security,” Director General Grossi said.

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Preparing Tomorrow’s Radiation Protection Professionals

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

As of 2025, the IAEA has trained close to 2,500 professionals from 137 countries through the PGEC. (Photo: L. Grindrod/IAEA)

Dozens of participants have completed the latest IAEA post-graduate courses in radiation protection, enabling them to help safely expand the use of nuclear science and technology in 31 participating countries.

The latest participants completed intensive, six-month Postgraduate Educational Courses in Radiation Protection and the Safety of Radiation Sources (PGEC) in either Greece or Ghana, designed to prepare them for work as radiation protection experts, regulators and nuclear safety professionals.

“For close to 45 years, PGEC has continuously trained new generations of experts in Europe and Central Asia for work in the field of radiation protection,” explained Emina Alic, IAEA Programme Management Officer. “Today, former PGEC graduates are helping to shape the future of their country’s engagement with nuclear applications as national operators, regulators and policymakers.”

“With the increased use of radiation sources in Africa, radiation safety has become one of the main priority areas of the IAEA’s regional technical cooperation programme for Africa,” explained IAEA Programme Management Officer Felix Omonya. “The IAEA has provided substantial support in the form of equipment and expert guidance, but in terms of training, the PGEC represents a cornerstone of our capacity building efforts.”

Radioactive sources are manufactured in research reactors. As they decay through their lifetime, the radiation they emit can be used to diagnose or treat cancers, measure pollution or monitor industrial processes. When they reach the end of their life, the radioactive sources are interred safely in waste storage or disposal facilities. X ray machines on the other hand, generate radiation on demand, offering a predictable and reliable source of radiation that can be made safe as soon as its work is done.  

The use of these radiation sources and technologies requires a comprehensive framework of national legislation and regulations and relies on the availability of sufficiently trained and motivated safety professionals. The IAEA’s PGEC responds to this need by helping to develop a cohort of radiation protection professionals through a combination of theoretical, classroom instruction and hands-on training.

“While some regulatory frameworks are in place in my country, there is still a pressing need to update existing regulations in line with international standards,” explained Blinda Mutuzo of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board. “The PGEC covered many of the areas where we most need support and offered practical knowledge on regulatory frameworks, authorization and inspection processes, source management and more.”

“The course helped me grow professionally by expanding my knowledge and confidence in radiation protection. It also allowed me to connect with experts and peers from other countries. These connections may lead to future collaborations in training, technical assistance or policy development,” said Mutuzo.

“Emergency preparedness and the improvement of the established early warning system are among Lithuania’s priorities at the moment,” said Kornelija Dacytė, Chief Specialist of Lithuania’s Radiation Protection Centre. “Not only did PGEC respond to these national needs, I am now hoping to adjust my career trajectory to focus more on emergency preparedness and I hope to support decision-making through atmospheric dispersion modelling.” The IAEA supports countries to use atmospheric dispersion modelling to simulate the spread of air pollutants, including radioactive substances.

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Mayors Reflect on Hosting Nuclear Facilities

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

“My city of Idaho Falls owns and operates its electric utility, integrating hydropower, wind, geothermal, and emerging hydrogen technologies. We are now planning to add micro-reactors. As policymakers, we study complex energy markets, transmission and regulations, all so we can provide reliable, cost-effective power to our citizens. And they in turn support nuclear because it offers safe, reliable, carbon-free, baseload energy. Advanced reactors are the path forward securing our community’s energy future while keeping costs low for generations to come.” 

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Update 304 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week provided Ukraine with a freight vehicle for the transport of radioactive material, its 150th delivery of equipment to support nuclear safety and security in the country during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

State Enterprise USIE Izotop – involved in the management of radioactive material intended for medical, industrial and other purposes – received the truck that was funded by the European Union (EU) and Sweden. IAEA staff helped ensure that transport safety and security considerations were taken into account in the design of the vehicle.

“Since the start of the conflict three and a half years ago, the IAEA has coordinated assistance for Ukraine of a wide range of technical equipment, medical supplies and other items that are of vital importance for nuclear safety and security. These deliveries are part of our overall efforts aimed at preventing a nuclear accident during this devastating war,” Director General Grossi said.

“Thanks to the generous support of many of our Member States and the European Union, we have now carried out shipments with a total value of more than 19 million euros, each one helping to enhance different aspects of nuclear safety and security,” he said.

Several other deliveries have taken place in recent weeks, supported by Belgium, the EU and Japan: the regional state laboratory in Mykolaiv province – badly affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in mid-2023 – received a real-time PCR cycler (Polymerase Chain Reaction, a nuclear-derived technique) for fast and accurate analysis to help it fight the spread of disease as a result of the flooding; the medical unit of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant received an ultrasound system; and a subsidiary of national nuclear operator Energoatom received a cryostat system ensuring continuity of services affected by power cuts and liquid nitrogen supply challenges.

Director General Grossi said nuclear safety and security remains under threat in Ukraine.

At the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the IAEA team based at the site has continued to hear shelling, explosions, and gunfire almost every day.

Earlier this month, the ZNPP informed the IAEA team that the site’s training centre was targeted in a drone strike on 13 July, resulting in damage to its roof. There were no reports of casualties. The team was not granted access to assess the damage to the training centre located outside the site perimeter, with the plant citing security concerns.

In addition, the ZNPP’s off-site power situation continues to be extremely fragile, with the plant having had access to just one single power line for almost three months now, compared to ten before the conflict.

The nearby city of Enerhodar – where most ZNPP staff live – suffered an electricity blackout on 17 July due to damage to its main power line, according to information provided to the IAEA team members.  They were also told that subsequent shelling had damaged some buildings in the city, which was also observed when the team visited Enerhodar on 19 July.

A forest fire near Enerhodar that caused smoke which was observed by the IAEA team last weekend has been extinguished without any impact on nuclear safety, the plant said.  

The IAEA team has continued to carry out walkdowns across the ZNPP site to monitor nuclear safety and security, observing the testing of three emergency diesel generators as well as visiting the containment and safety system rooms of two reactor units.

They also discussed with the plant management different options for refilling the plant’s cooling pond following the loss of the Kakhovka dam two years ago and further planning on emergency preparedness and response, including preparations for a site exercise later this year.

At Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – three of their total of nine units are currently in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance.

The IAEA team based at these plants, and the Chornobyl site, reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week.

At the Khmelnytskyy and South Ukraine NPPs, the IAEA teams were informed that during the night of 18 July drones were detected a few kilometres away from the two sites. That same evening, the team at Chornobyl observed flashes of light and heard explosions in the distance.