Hong Kong Observatory joins the IAEA’s Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity network

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has recently successfully joined the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network. The official application was submitted to IAEA through the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA). After passing through a rigorous technical assessment, the HKO's admission was approved by IAEA. This milestone further recognizes Hong Kong's capability to provide timely, high-quality and reliable data in environmental radiation monitoring and emergency response.

ALMERA is a global cooperative network established by the IAEA in 1995. The core objective of the network is to enhance the capabilities and performance of member laboratories to ensure timely and reliable measurement results during routine monitoring and emergency situations. These laboratories play an expert role in research, assessment and capacity building. The data provided by members assists decision-makers in assessing radiological risks and protecting public health. In addition, ALMERA is responsible for coordinating member laboratories to participate in the analysis of environmental samples during international nuclear and radiological events, including analysis of nuclear-contaminated water discharged from Fukushima of Japan. Currently, the ALMERA network consists of more than 200 member laboratories representing 90 countries. Following the addition of HKO, the number of member units from China in the network has increased to eight.

The Observatory has a distinguished history in radiological science, having actively participated in the IAEA’s environmental radiation measurement programmes since the early 1960s. To maintain high standards of radiation measurement techniques, the Observatory regularly takes part in international proficiency tests and inter-comparisons among laboratories. In addition, the HKO has formulated management procedures for its radiation measurement service in accordance with the ISO 9001 international standard to enhance work efficiency and quality, with the relevant services first attaining ISO 9001:2008 certification in early 2009. Following the release of the updated standard, the HKO further improved its management procedures and successfully transitioned to the ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2017. Joining ALMERA network not only confirms the Observatory’s technical capability in radiation measurement, but also integrates Hong Kong directly into the global nuclear emergency preparedness infrastructure, promoting the development of environmental monitoring science by establishing partnerships with regional and international laboratories.

The Observatory currently operates a professional radiation laboratory located in King's Park. It is a core facility in Hong Kong’s Environmental Radiation Monitoring Programme. In addition to routine monitoring of radiation levels in environmental samples, the King’s Park Radiation Laboratory can rapidly activate its emergency operation mode in the event of a nuclear emergency or incident, providing rapid and reliable radiation measurements and analyses of potentially affected samples to support emergency response and assessment. Through the ALMERA membership, the King’s Park Radiation Laboratory’s operations will be fully aligned with internationally recognized radioanalytical methods. Looking ahead, the Observatory will deepen its exchange of technical experience and data with the ALMERA community, and carry out relevant collaborations, including testing for radioactive materials in samples such as air, water, soil, and food, to further safeguard Hong Kong’s radiation safety.

Figure 1 HKO King’s Park Radiation Laboratory

Figure 2 Major equipment in the HKO King’s Park Radiation Laboratory