From 8 to 13 September, Vladivostok hosted the Environmental Project research programme organized by JINR, Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), and the Sirius.Primorye educational centre. As part of the programme, schoolchildren of grades 7-10 had the opportunity to learn about the modern methods of environmental monitoring.

The key area of work was the preparation of biomonitor mosses capable of reflecting the level of heavy metal pollution in the environment for further analysis at the Laboratory of Neutron Physics at JINR. With the participation of Head of the FLNP JINR Sector of Neutron Activation Analysis and Applied Research Inga Zinicovscaia and FEFU teachers, the students and got acquainted with the methods of preparing samples for experiments and the principles of soil analysis. During the lessons, the students conducted experiments using an electronic activator and learned how to identify the types of mosses used as natural indicators of air pollution, which they had previously collected in their hometowns. At the next stage, the elemental composition of mosses will be determined at FLNP by neutron activation analysis method. Then, together with schoolchildren, scientists will describe the obtained data.

The participants will be able to apply the acquired skills in the future for independent research in schools. This format allows students not only to learn the fundamental principles of environmental monitoring methods, but also to involve them in project activities aimed at assessing the environmental conditions of their own regions.

The programme is part of a broader collaboration between JINR, FEFU, and Sirius.Primorye, aimed at developing citizen science projects in ecology and supporting the interest of schoolchildren in research activities. The project coordinator is the JINR Information Centre at FEFU.

Photos: Inga Zinicovscaia, Sirius.Primorye educational centre