Japanese researchers develop new technology for treating nuclear wastewater

Researchers at the Okayama University in Japan have developed a new technology system which ensures removal of strontium from waste water.

Developed by Okayama University professor Toshiro Ono and team, the system involves the use of a hydroxyapatite (HAP) column procedure for elimination of strontium 90 from aqueous solution.

The technology uses adsorption, which is one of the many methods used for the removal of metal ions from nuclear wastewater.

It can be used for environmental monitoring and decontamination, especially since the environment in the country has been affected with the discharges following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster.

HAP is a major mineral constituent of bone and tooth and has excellent biocompatibility. It has properties of high adsorption and low water solubility, which make it a potential sorbent for heavy metals in wastewater.

The research found the HAP particles to be adsorbing radioactive nuclide ⁹⁰Sr from aqueous solutions.

⁹⁰Sr emits only ß rays, and requires a complicated extraction and purification process for analysis, due to which only a few researches have been carried out.

HAP was found to be more suitable for nuclear wastewater treatments, as compared to zeolite, which is commonly used for adsorption of another radioactive nuclide type ¹³⁷Cs.

It can then be stored in forms securely as dry solid waste, which can ensure the reduction of the required disposal space and bring down costs.