|
Many of Florida Tech's faculty have
done important research in nuclear physics and engineering. Lynn
Edward Weaver, our former president, is a widely recognized nuclear
engineer.
This small kiosk is all that remains
of an early "experiment" using irradiation to treat waste
water. Dubbed the "atomic toilet" in 1968, Florida Tech
researchers won national recognition for their efforts to devise
ways to use radiation in water purification. County officials as
well as leaders of Patrick Air Force Base were intrigued with the
idea. Supplies of radioactive Cobalt 60 were acquired and tests
were run. This underground facility represented the deepest hole
ever dug in Brevard County. Despite some success there was, however,
little enthusiasm in the community or nation to adopt irradiated
sewage water as a source of potable water. The "atomic toilet" experiments
ended 25 years ago. |
