Advances in the management of radioactive wastes and radionuclide contamination in environmental compartments: a review

Abstract

Several anthropogenic activities produce radioactive materials into the environment. According to reports, exposure to high concentrations of radioactive elements such as potassium ( 40 K), uranium ( 238 U and 235 U), and thorium ( 232 Th) poses serious health concerns. The scarcity of reviews addressing the occurrence/sources, distribution, and remedial solutions of radioactive contamination in the ecosystems has fueled data collection for this bibliometric survey. In rivers and potable water, reports show that several parts of Europe and Asia have recorded radionuclide concentrations much higher than the permissible level of 1 Bq/L. According to various investigations, activity concentrations of gamma-emitting radioactive elements discovered in soils are higher than the global average crustal values, especially around mining activities. Adsorption technique is the most prevalent remedial method for decontaminating radiochemically polluted sites. However, there is a need to investigate integrated approaches/combination techniques. Although complete radionuclide decontamination utilizing the various technologies is feasible, future research should focus on cost-effectiveness, waste minimization, sustainability, and rapid radionuclide decontamination. Radioactive materials can be harnessed as fuel for nuclear power generation to meet worldwide energy demand. However, proper infrastructure must be put in place to prevent catastrophic disasters.

Ultrafast Removal of Thorium and Uranium from Radioactive Waste and Groundwater Using Highly Efficient and Radiation-Resistant Functionalized Triptycene-Based Porous Organic Polymers

“…17 However, it is also necessary to innovate means to prevent radioactive Th contamination in the environment. 18 Thus, for a mature Th-based fuel and waste management facility, it is important to have expertise in rapid and efficient protocols to recover Th from wastewater sources. Th is found naturally along with lanthanides in the mineral monazite and thus is a valuable byproduct of the rare earth industry.…”

“…The use of Th in the molten salt reactor (MSR) renders minimal generation of transuranic radioactive elements . However, it is also necessary to innovate means to prevent radioactive Th contamination in the environment . Thus, for a mature Th-based fuel and waste management facility, it is important to have expertise in rapid and efficient protocols to recover Th from wastewater sources.…”

Radiation Mapping of the Borzhava River Areas, Tisza Basin: Peculiarities of Radionuclide Distribution and Organisational and Managerial Support of Mountainous Territories

“…Several modern studies are devoted to the problem of studying and assessing the content of radionuclides in soils, bottom sediments, air, and water bodies [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. In this regard, the bottom sediments of water bodies deserve considerable attention, as they can accumulate pollutants (products of destruction of shores, soils, etc.…”