Research Facilities

Aquatic Animal Research Facility

Explore our advanced Aquatic Animal Holding Facility, a climate-controlled, stand-alone unit designed specifically for aquatic animals used in experimental research. This facility boasts ten versatile stalls – six small and four large – each equipped with independent controls for water level, flow, and lighting, ensuring optimal conditions for a range of aquatic species. Our facility has a proven track record in facilitating research across various taxa, including freshwater turtles, fish, crayfish, and alligators. It’s also perfectly suited for innovative research setups like artificial living stream systems and aquaria-scale experiments, making it an ideal choice for cutting-edge aquatic studies.

Advanced Molecular Genetic Labs

Explore the cutting-edge molecular genetic laboratories at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), equipped with state-of-the-art technology for a wide array of studies. Our labs are pivotal in monitoring pollution impacts on organism genetics, estimating species abundance, assessing the genetic health of endangered and at-risk species, quantifying wildlife disease prevalence, and conducting wildlife forensics. Our comprehensive equipment includes a dedicated DNA/RNA extraction lab with two QiaCubes, several dual block thermal cyclers for efficient high-throughput PCR, and two advanced quantitative PCR machines. Additionally, we’re equipped with a microplate reader and a Caliper LabChip, essential for size selection in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparations. These facilities enable SREL to lead in environmental and wildlife genetic research, contributing significantly to conservation and ecological studies.

Tritium Irrigation Facility

Discover the 8.9-hectare (21-acre) phytoremediation irrigation system, a pioneering project established in 2000 through a collaboration between Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), USDA Forest Service, and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. This unique system is designed for environmental restoration, specifically using plants to reduce tritium levels—a radioactive form of hydrogen—in Fourmile Branch, originating from the Savannah River Site’s mixed-waste burial grounds. The system functions by impounding tritiated groundwater from a seep above Fourmile Branch, using it to irrigate natural forest vegetation. This vegetation absorbs and transpires the tritium, while excess water is returned to the collection pond, significantly reducing tritium concentrations in Four Mile Branch by over 50% since its inception. Equipped with an Automated Variable-rate Multisample System (AVMS), this facility continuously monitors soil conditions, showcasing SREL’s commitment to innovative environmental solutions and sustainable ecological practices.

Low-dose Irradiation Facility

Discover the specialized Low-dose Irradiation Facility at Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), a unique setup designed to assess the effects of chronic, low-level radiation on aquatic organisms. This state-of-the-art facility features 40 outdoor microcosms, each equipped with cesium-137 irradiation sources to simulate three biologically relevant levels of radiation exposure alongside control units without irradiation. Organized into eight blocks with five mesocosms each, the facility allows for precise experimentation, including partitioning to utilize spatial dose variations if needed. Equipped with thermoluminescent dosimeters, our facility ensures accurate dose rate measurements for all microcosms. Each mesocosm, holding about 956 liters of water with a depth of 41 centimeters, is part of a flow-through system using water from a nearby lake, guaranteeing natural environmental conditions for aquatic studies.

Terrestrial Animal Care Facility

Explore the 4,896-square-foot specialized research building at Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL), designed for a variety of vertebrate species. This facility is equipped with eight state-of-the-art animal holding and research laboratories, dedicated to controlled experiments and advanced research. It also features a fully-equipped necropsy lab, an autoclave room for sterilization processes, and a dedicated animal preparation area for efficient marking and tagging. Additionally, the building includes office space for research coordination. This facility is central to SREL’s commitment to providing optimal environments for studying vertebrates, facilitating groundbreaking research in controlled experimental settings.

UGA SREL Conference Center

Experience the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Conference Center, a versatile 5,000-square-foot facility situated on U.S. Department of Energy land near Aiken, South Carolina. This off-site center is perfectly equipped for diverse events and meetings, featuring large and small conference rooms, office spaces, a fully-equipped kitchen, and restrooms. The spacious main conference room can host approximately 150 people and is outfitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. Nestled in a rich natural setting, adjacent to Upper Three Runs Creek, the center not only serves as an ideal location for conferences and educational events but also provides an excellent base for aquatic research and outdoor education programs.

Individuals interested in using the facility for meetings or other occasions should go to the SREL Conference Center webpage.