In a landmark recognition of academic excellence, Khalifa University has been awarded the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) 'Best Research' Award for its pioneering study on potential pollutant dispersion in the Arabian Gulf. This accolade highlights the university's pivotal role in advancing nuclear safety and environmental protection in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly in relation to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). The research, led by Dr. Yacine Addad, Deputy Director of the Emirates Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC) at Khalifa University, provides critical insights into how dissolved pollutants from nuclear operations might behave in the unique waters of the Arabian Gulf.

The award was presented during FANR's inaugural Nuclear and Radiation Excellence Awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi, where 90 submissions from government entities, academia, healthcare, and private sectors competed across categories like Best Research, Outstanding Professional, and Future Leader. Khalifa University's project stood out for its rigorous modeling of pollutant pathways, offering evidence-based support for regulatory decisions and emergency preparedness.

🔬 The Winning Research: A Numerical Assessment

The study, titled 'A Numerical Assessment of the Dispersion of Dissolved Pollutants in the Arabian Gulf Associated with the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant,' was published in Ocean Modelling in 2023. It addresses quasi-conservative pollutants—such as tritium (³H) and cesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs)—that could enter the Gulf via cooling water effluent from routine operations or hypothetical accidents at BNPP. These tracers mimic the behavior of anthropogenic radionuclides, helping predict long-term environmental fate without real-world releases.

Conducted over two years by a multidisciplinary team including Dr. Maryam Rashed AlShehhi, Postdoctoral Fellow Oleksandr Nesterov, Dr. Rachid Abida, Dr. Sana Bilal, and collaborators from FANR and Stevens Institute of Technology, the research underscores collaborative academia-regulator partnerships. Dr. Addad emphasized, "By applying high-fidelity computational modeling, we quantify dispersion dynamics under routine and low-probability scenarios, supporting proactive oversight."

Methodology: Advanced 3D Modeling of Gulf Dynamics

Researchers employed the Semi-implicit Cross-scale Hydroscience Integrated System (SCHISM), a three-dimensional unstructured-grid model tailored for the Arabian Gulf's complex bathymetry and circulation. The grid resolution varied from 4 km in the Sea of Oman to 0.1 km near Barakah, capturing islands like Sir Bani Yas, Dalma, and Yasat.

Validated against 2017–2018 observational data on water levels, currents, and temperatures, the model simulated two scenarios: continuous direct releases in heated effluent and offshore atmospheric fallouts. Over two-year runs, it tracked tracer transport, accumulation, and flushing through the Strait of Hormuz. This step-by-step approach—grid generation, hydrodynamic validation, tracer injection, and long-term analysis—ensures reliability for real-world applications.

Key Findings: Limited Accumulation, Efficient Flushing

The simulations revealed that 60–70% of trace radionuclides exit the Gulf via natural circulation within two years. In continuous discharge cases, volume-averaged concentrations stabilized at 7.4% of excess effluent levels in the Southern Shallows (Barakah corridor), versus 0.37% Gulf-wide. Half-saturation times were 0.4 years locally and 1.8 years basin-wide.

For atmospheric fallouts, plumes hugged the UAE coast eastward, with northern Dalma events reaching Abu Dhabi in 5–6 weeks. Far-offshore releases posed greater risks due to prolonged circulation. These findings affirm BNPP's design minimizes environmental persistence, informing FANR's monitoring protocols. For full details, see the original paper.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Barakah NPP: UAE's Clean Energy Powerhouse

Located 53 km west of Ruwais, Barakah's four APR-1400 units generate 25% of UAE electricity, slashing 22.4 million tons of CO₂ annually—equivalent to removing 4.8 million cars. Seawater-cooled, it discharges regulated effluents under FANR oversight, with 33 safety inspections in 2023 alone. Pre-operational IAEA reviews confirmed robust environmental safeguards, aligning with UAE's net-zero ambitions.

Yet, thermal plumes and trace releases demand vigilant modeling, as this award-winning study demonstrates. FANR's reports emphasize continuous monitoring, with no design deficiencies noted.

Broader Pollution Challenges in the Arabian Gulf

The semi-enclosed Gulf, with residence times of 3–5 years, amplifies pollutants. Desalination—supplying 42% UAE water (Gulf-wide 40% global capacity)—produces hypersaline brine, raising southern salinity by up to 2 g/kg and temperatures 0.6°C near plants, per recent Khalifa University modeling in Marine Pollution Bulletin. Brine alters circulation, boosting Hormuz exchange 20%, but local hotspots harm seagrass (25–30% decline) and plankton (40% loss).

Oil/shipping contribute hydrocarbons; gas flaring SO₂/NOx. Recent conflicts highlight vulnerabilities, with desalination disruptions risking crises in water-scarce nations. Multi-source modeling is vital. Explore KU's brine study here.

Khalifa University's ENTC: Nuclear Research Vanguard

ENTC drives UAE nuclear R&D, focusing on safety, thermal-hydraulics, and environmental impacts. Themes include system safety, fuel cycles, and radiation monitoring. Beyond this award, ENTC's MORAD program baselines radiological environments, while nanoporous coatings enhance fuel longevity. KU's Civil & Environmental Engineering integrates ocean modeling for holistic assessments.

Collaborations and Regulatory Synergy

The study exemplifies UAE's academia-regulator nexus: ENTC-FANR partnerships yield actionable data. International ties, like Stevens Institute, bolster credibility. FANR's 90-submission awards foster innovation, with KU excelling in evidence-based safety. Sheikh Hamdan's recent environmental honors to KU projects (graphene, robotics) signal growing impact.

Read FANR's announcement here.

Photo by Artyom Korshunov on Unsplash

Implications for UAE Nuclear Program and Careers

This research fortifies BNPP operations, low-probability planning, and public confidence. With UAE eyeing expansion, such models guide site selection and tech. For aspiring researchers, KU offers PhD programs in nuclear engineering, blending modeling, safety, and policy. ENTC trains for UAE's peaceful nuclear future.

• Rigorous simulations predict risks accurately.
• Supports contingency via plume timelines.
• Enhances global UAE nuclear reputation.

Future Outlook: Sustainable Gulf Marine Health

Integrating nuclear, desalination models promises comprehensive Gulf management. Solutions like brine minimization, advanced diffusers, and real-time monitoring loom. KU's leadership positions UAE as environmental steward, balancing energy security with ecosystem vitality amid climate pressures.

As Dr. Addad notes, this work "contributes to a responsible nuclear program." Ongoing ENTC efforts ensure safety evolves with challenges.