Mr Sam K Varga

My past interests centred around geophysics, obtaining and interrogating near-surface geophysical data to infer structure and composition. The methods used included GPR, gravimetry, magnetometry, ERT and EM conductivity.

My MSci research focused on remote sensing. XRF, gamma spectrometry and hyperspectral imaging were performed in the field. Sample analysis was performed in the laboratory using an HPGe gamma detector, EDS/SEM and Raman Spectrometer. By combining these field and laboratory data, I inferred the extent of co-occurance of lithium-bearing minerals and naturally-occurring radioactive material in Cornish Kaolinite.

My current research is multidisciplinary, involving aspects of geology, materials science, interface analysis and aqueous and solid-state chemistry. I am investigating how the composition of groundwater and glass, as well as disposal canister material impact the dissolution mechanics and wasteform stability in the context of a nuclear waste geological disposal facility. I am currently performing long-term leaching experiments on various nuclear waste vitrification glasses, some containing simulant waste. Using simulant groundwater conditions and canister materials, as well as canister corrosion products, I aim to quantify the optimum combination of canister material and groundwater for a UK geological disposal facility.