In many countries, contamination of the environment can occur from anthropogenic sources (e.g. industrial outputs) and natural sources (e.g. radon), these can result in an environmental hazard. This session contains contributions that are applied and theoretical, in areas ranging from (a) quantifying the extent of contamination, (b) field trials and modelling of contamination as it progresses from the source to the air, water, soils, and/or plants, (c) monitoring techniques, including low-cost, for contaminants in the environment, (d) mitigation of contamination in areas already affected, again including low-cost, and (e) assessing the risk to humans of environmental contamination. We welcome contributions ranging from experimental, laboratory, to modelling, with emphasis (but not limited to) low-cost ideas and research that might be applied to developing countries. This session will consist of (a) an all poster session and (b) an associated poster summary and discussion session of one to two hours in a splinter room with an opportunity for authors to briefly present their poster.
This session is a result of the incorporation into NH8.1 Heavy-metal contamination of the environment of NH8.2 Medical Geohazards: Radionuclides and Dusts a session co-organised by UNESCO/IUGS IGCP Project 571 and the IUGS-GEM Dust Working Group and AS4.16 Dust from Mineral Operations: Monitoring, Modelling, Regulation and Mitigation.

The session consists of 3 minute poster summaries and discussion in the oral block and a traditional poster session.