Intelligent device for detecting nuclear radiation using honey bees as biological living sensors

Abstract

The intelligent detector for radioactive particles spread over large geographical areas refers to a method and a system for real-time detection of the presence of radioactive particles in the environment, interconnecting the universe of bees with their self-organizing capabilities as a carrier and transporter of radioactive particles with the universe of computers which processes information on their presence and nature and sends alert messages in case of radioactive contamination. It contains a local computer network with ionizing radiation sensors (GM and SiPM), a weather microstation module used to estimate the direction of movement of radioactive particles, a GPS module used to obtain information on the geographical location of the detector, a GSM module used to transmit alert messages in case of radioactive danger, a photovoltaic power supply module used to ensure energy autonomy. Experimental system use Layens beehives with 20 frames (440x340mm wide) and more than 70 000 bees and is located in the area of uranium mining in Tulghes-Grinties, Neamt County. The Layens hive is for successful overwintering and rapid spring colony buildup even in the cold climates in Romania. As environment bioindicator, bees are an excellent/robust sensor. Computer network is based on Embedded Linux Machine with ARM processors.