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At the end of this decade a Synchrotron will have been built in Melbourne, Victoria. A Synchrotron can be considered as a "very bright light" that offers unique properties:

• Extremely high intensity electro-magnetic radiation;

• Tuneable from infra-red to hard x-rays;

• Extremely fine beam width and

• Highly collimated.

In the 1960's Synchrotrons were in vogue as particle colliders to assist with the understanding of the constitution of atomic nuclei. Their operation generated intense radiation that was considered a nuisance. Later came the realisation that this intense radiation can have other uses. Now Synchrotrons are built as tools to help with research in many fields of science.

A true understanding of environmental issues requires direct, in-situ or real time measurement of physical, chemical and biological factors. A Synchrotron opens the path to a better awareness of biogeochemical processes.

Advances in the frontier of environmental science include:

• Determination of very small concentrations of toxic materials in soils, streams, seawater or the atmosphere.

• Study of  toxins in the environment and their pathway with submicron resolution as well as its chemical state: e.g. oxidation state, mobility or degree of fixation to organic or inorganic matrices.

• Detailed knowledge of the transport, origin, chemistry and health hazards associated with micron and submicron particulate matter in air and water.

• Determination of the nature and local environment of metals by examining directly an undisturbed sample.

• Investigation of plants and bacteria that can break down or accumulate toxins or elemental waste, and methods of optimising these processes.

• Monitoring individual human cells during exposure to environmental toxins.

CETEC is working with the Victorian Government as it proceeds with implementing the Synchrotron project.  CETEC has proposed a model for the interaction of industrial clients with the Synchrotron facility and has sought funding for industrial applications of Synchrotron science.

To give us feedback on this article or to ask how CETEC can help you understand how the Synchrotron may assist your business, contact us here.