Where Atoms Meet Ecosystems
Deep within the 300-square-mile expanse of the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, scientists are conducting research that bridges the atomic and ecological worlds.
The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), established in 1961 through the vision of University of Georgia professor Eugene Odum, has transformed from a nuclear research outpost into one of the world's most respected ecological research institutions 8 . What began as a mission to understand the environmental effects of nuclear production has evolved into a pioneering effort to solve some of our most pressing environmental challenges—from contaminant remediation to wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration.
With over 3,800 peer-reviewed publications to its name, SREL represents a remarkable marriage of basic and applied science 1 . Researchers here study everything from the movement of radioactive isotopes through food webs to the behavior of deer in headlights, all with the goal of understanding how human activities impact the natural world and how we can mitigate those effects.
This article explores how SREL's unique long-term research continues to shape our understanding of ecology and inform environmental management decisions across the globe.
The Science Beneath the Surface: Key Research Areas
Radioecology
Tracing Invisible Pathways
One of SREL's cornerstone research disciplines is radioecology—the study of how radioactive materials move through and affect ecosystems. For decades, researchers have meticulously tracked radioisotopes like cesium-137 through various environmental compartments .
This research directly informs monitoring and cleanup strategies at contaminated sites worldwide, helping develop more effective approaches to environmental risk assessment and remediation planning .
Wildlife Ecology
From Wild Pigs to Animal-Vehicle Collisions
SREL's research examines human-wildlife conflicts, invasive species management, and conservation biology. Dr. Travis DeVault focuses specifically on reducing animal-vehicle collisions—a problem that causes thousands of injuries and billions of dollars in damages annually 1 .
Another significant research initiative involves managing invasive wild pigs, which cause an estimated $2.5 billion in annual damage and control costs to U.S. agriculture .
Wetland Studies
Nature's Water Filters
SREL researchers have pioneered the study of riparian wetlands and their capacity to filter and retain contaminants. One recent study examined water movement in the Tims Branch watershed, tracing how different water sources mix over time 6 .
This research demonstrates how natural wetland processes can be harnessed for environmental remediation and protection of water resources.
Spotlight Study: How Freshwater Species Manage Radiocesium Exposure
The Experiment: From Contaminated Canal to Clean Pond
In a compelling example of SREL's innovative research approach, a team led by former graduate student Kathryn Quinlin conducted a fascinating study on how freshwater species absorb and eliminate radiocesium 3 .
The researchers selected four ecologically distinct species from R-Canal, a waterway historically affected by reactor operations at SRS: bullfrog tadpoles, red swamp crayfish, eastern mosquitofish, and American white-water lilies.
Revealing Results: Surprising Patterns in Contaminant Processing
The findings challenged several conventional assumptions about contaminant accumulation in aquatic ecosystems. Contrary to expectations that sediment-dwelling species would accumulate the highest contaminant loads, the research revealed that bullfrog tadpoles absorbed radiocesium fastest, reaching equilibrium in under nine days, followed by crayfish at just over 50 days, and mosquitofish at around 86 days .
| Species | Time to Uptake Equilibrium (days) | Elimination Half-Life (days) | Key Physiological Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullfrog tadpoles | <9 | <8 | High metabolic rate, vascularized skin |
| Red swamp crayfish | ~50 | 69 | Hardened exoskeleton, molting cycle |
| Eastern mosquitofish | ~86 | 43 | Moderate metabolic rate, less permeable surfaces |
| American white-water lilies | Not specified | ~12 | Rapid nutrient cycling |
Scientific Significance: Beyond Academic Curiosity
This research provides practical insights for environmental management. By documenting how different species absorb and eliminate contaminants over time, the findings help inform the selection of bioindicator species for monitoring programs, improve environmental modeling, and guide remediation strategies at contaminated freshwater sites .
The Broader Research Context: SREL's Evolving Mission
SREL's research portfolio has expanded significantly since its early focus on radiation effects and thermal ecology (the study of how hot water effluents from nuclear reactors affect ecosystems) 8 . Today, the laboratory investigates everything from biogeochemical cycling to biodiversity conservation and environmental restoration.
1950s-1960s: Radiation Effects
How do radioactive materials move through ecosystems?
1970s-1980s: Thermal Ecology
How do temperature changes affect aquatic ecosystems?
1980s-1990s: Biogeochemical Ecology
How do chemicals cycle through different environmental compartments?
1990s-Present: Restoration Ecology
How can we restore contaminated or damaged ecosystems?
2000s-Present: Human-Wildlife Interactions
How can we reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife?
The lab's unique setting on the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site—designated as the first National Environmental Research Park (NERP) in the United States—provides an unparalleled living laboratory for these studies 1 .
Because SREL has maintained continuous research programs since the 1950s, the Savannah River Site is now one of the best-understood land areas in the world, providing invaluable insights into ecological processes that unfold over decades 8 .
The Scientist's Toolkit: Essential Research Equipment
The sophisticated research conducted at SREL depends on an array of advanced analytical equipment that allows scientists to detect and measure contaminants at incredibly low concentrations 4 . This instrumentation enables the precise environmental monitoring that forms the foundation of much SREL research.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS)
Measures trace metals at sub-part-per-million levels
Monitoring heavy metal contamination in environmental samples
Total Mercury Analyzer
Quantifies total mercury concentration in solid and liquid samples
Assessing mercury pollution in sediments and water
Auto-Gamma Counter
Analyzes gamma emitters using sodium iodide detector
Measuring radioactive isotopes like cesium-137
Liquid Scintillation Counter
Analyzes beta emitters including Tritium and Carbon-14
Monitoring low-energy radiation in liquid samples
This equipment supports not only SREL's research mission but also provides analytical services to other Department of Energy facilities, site tenants, and external stakeholders 4 .
Implications and Future Directions: From Local Research to Global Solutions
The research conducted at SREL has implications that extend far beyond the boundaries of the Savannah River Site. Studies on contaminant movement in wetlands, for instance, can inform management strategies for similar ecosystems worldwide 6 . Likewise, the laboratory's findings on wildlife management—from reducing animal-vehicle collisions to controlling invasive species—offer solutions to global challenges.
Looking ahead, SREL researchers aim to build on their long-term studies to address emerging environmental threats. Climate change, habitat fragmentation, and novel contaminants present new challenges that will require the same rigorous, interdisciplinary approach that has characterized the laboratory's research since its founding.
"For future work, we hope to utilize this hydrological model with other studies to improve contaminant management and reduce risks to both human and environmental health across the Central Savannah River Area and DOE complex."
Conclusion: A Legacy of Ecological Discovery
The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory represents a remarkable success story in long-term ecological research. What began as a mission to understand the environmental effects of nuclear production has evolved into a multifaceted research program that advances both basic ecological knowledge and applied environmental solutions.
From tracking radiocesium through aquatic food webs to developing better strategies for managing wild pig populations, SREL research demonstrates the practical value of ecological understanding.
"The Savannah River Site is a living testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of careful scientific study in understanding and preserving our natural world."