Maurice Miller | Applications of nuclear technology beyond electricity generation

Nuclear technology offers much more than reactors, especially for small island developing states (SIDS). Notably, Jamaica has started tapping into a wide range of nuclear applications that are improving sectors like healthcare, climate monitoring, agriculture, and water management. These are areas where Jamaica is already benefiting, with support from international partner the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Jamaica has been a member of the IAEA since December 1965. Through the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme, we have received tools, expertise, and support to use nuclear science and technology to address key national-development priorities. The country’s commitment to nuclear safety and security is also exemplified by the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Act, which came into effect in 2015. This was followed by the establishment of the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority (HSRA) in 2017. The HSRA is tasked with administering the act and ensuring compliance with international standards for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.

HEALTHCARE

Nuclear technology is making a difference in healthcare delivery. Nuclear techniques are being used to diagnose and treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer and heart conditions. These technologies, including radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and X-ray diagnostics, are improving the quality of care while reducing the risk of treatment errors such as overexposure to radiation.

The IAEA has supported Jamaica’s healthcare sector for over 50 years, providing training, technical assistance, and tools to improve healthcare delivery. A key achievement in this regard was the establishment of the first public nuclear medicine centre at the University Hospital of the West Indies in June 2022. In addition, nuclear techniques are being applied to address malnutrition, both undernutrition and obesity, which are significant health concerns in general.

COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, and Jamaica is already feeling its impact through rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes, and changing weather patterns. Nuclear technology plays a critical role in helping scientists monitor and study environmental changes.

For example, nuclear techniques are used to track greenhouse gas emissions, study ocean acidification, and support climate-adaptation strategies. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are major contributors to global warming, and nuclear technology provides valuable data for understanding their sources and assessing their impact.

One of the most concerning effects of climate change is ocean acidification. As the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the water becomes more acidic, which negatively impacts marine life, including fish and coral reefs. These changes threaten the livelihoods of communities that rely on fishing as well as the local tourism industry. Nuclear techniques help scientists better understand these changes and explore potential solutions to mitigate the impact on the marine ecosystem.

INCREASING ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER

Nuclear isotopic techniques have proven valuable in managing and monitoring water resources, helping to ensure sustainable use and in the protection of water supplies.

Jamaica has been working with the IAEA since 2018 on water quality, monitoring projects to improve the management of its water resources. One of the key initiatives is the Kingston Hydrologic Basin project, which uses nuclear techniques to assess the state of water supplies and inform strategic planning.

This project involves several local institutions such as the Water Resources Authority, the National Environment and Planning Agency, and the University of the West Indies. The aim is to enhance the capacity to manage and protect Jamaica’s freshwater sources, ensuring that future generations will have access to safe, clean water.

In addition to monitoring water quality, nuclear techniques are also used to improve wastewater management and ensure that water is treated to meet international standards. The successful collaboration between Jamaica and the IAEA has provided the country with specialised equipment, training, and expertise to strengthen its water- management capabilities.

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Agriculture is another area where nuclear technology is making a significant impact. With the growing demand for food and the challenges posed by climate change, nuclear techniques are being used to improve crop yields, combat pests, and ensure food safety.

For instance, nuclear isotopes (special type of atoms) are used to measure how efficiently plants use nutrients, helping farmers optimise fertiliser use and improve crop production. The sterile insect technique (SIT), which uses low levels of radiation to sterilise insects, is a proven method for controlling pest populations without the need for harmful chemicals. In Jamaica, SIT is being used to manage the aedes aegypti mosquito population, which is a vector for diseases such as dengue and Zika.

Beyond pest control, nuclear techniques are being applied to enhance livestock productivity. For example, the use of radio-immunoassay allows farmers to detect agricultural contaminants and monitor hormone levels in livestock, ensuring that animals remain healthy and productive. This is particularly important for Jamaica, where the cost of importing meat is high, and where there is a focus on improving local livestock production.

In 2024, the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences in Jamaica received a new gamma irradiation machine intended to strengthen agricultural output. The machine will be particularly useful in improving the quality and the shelf life of coconuts.

Jamaica continues to benefit from the peaceful applications of nuclear technology. These innovations are having an important impact on sectors such as healthcare, climate- change mitigation, water management, and agriculture. As Jamaica continues to explore and expand its use of nuclear science, the country can expect to see innovations that improve lives, protect the environment, and strengthen the economy.

Maurice Miller, PhD, is a project management professional. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.