A team from the University of Leeds has joined up with Sellafield nuclear plant (pictured) to develop a method of cleaning up radioactive waste safely and efficiently.

The newly formed ‘Sludge Centre of Expertise’ will help Sellafield engineers work out a way to deal with the radioactive sludge from a distance, using remote monitoring equipment.

Professor Simon Biggs, Director of the School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering, said: “Liquid and semi-solid radioactive waste is a major headache. Having worked closely with the nuclear industry for over a decade, we have built up considerable knowledge of these sludges and how they behave. We are optimistic that we can help Sellafield Ltd clean up this waste from legacy facilities.”