12 June 2013 Last updated at 19:24 ET <\/p>\n
Equipment used to find radioactive particles on beaches near a nuclear power site has been modified so it can better detect the fragments. <\/p>\n
The tiny particles were discharged from Dounreay in Caithness into the sea in the 1970s. <\/p>\n
For several years surrounding beaches have been monitored and more than 200 particles removed. <\/p>\n
Following the discovery of a particle with an unusual radioactive signal, the kit has been made more \"sensitive\". <\/p>\n
Fragments with gamma radiation have made up the majority of finds on the beaches. <\/p>\n
But in February last year one dominated by beta radiation, which is less easily detected, was found. <\/p>\n
Following discussion with independent experts, regulators and monitoring contractor Nuvia, the plastic covering that protects the detection sensors has been replaced with a carbon fibre covering. <\/p>\n
Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), which is leading the demolition of Dounreay and commissioned the monitoring, said the change would improve the work. <\/p>\n
A spokesperson said: \"Carbon fibre is less dense than plastic, improving the capability of the equipment to detect other such particles that may be present.\" <\/p>\n
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