Magnetite-based adsorbents for sequestration of radionuclides: a review

Abstract

As a result of extensive research efforts by several research groups, magnetite-based materials have gained enormous attention in diverse fields including biomedicine, catalysis, energy and data storage devices, magnetic resonance imaging, and environmental remediation. Owing to their low production cost, ease of modification, biocompatibility, and superparamagnetism, the use of these materials for the abatement of environmental toxicants has been increasing continuously. Here we focus on the recent advances in the use of magnetite-based adsorbents for removal of radionuclides (such as 137 Cs(I), 155 Eu(III), 90 Sr(II), 238 U(VI), etc.) from diverse aqueous phases. This review summarizes the preparation and surface modification of magnetite-based adsorbents, their physicochemical properties, adsorption behavior and mechanism, and diverse conventional and recent environmental technological options for the treatment of water contaminated with radionuclides. In addition, case studies for the removal of radionuclides from actual contaminated sites are discussed, and finally the optimization of magnetite-based remedial solutions is presented for practical application.

Polymer sequestrants for biological and environmental applications

“…Radioactivity is the process of spontaneous transformation of unstable atomic nuclei by the emission of radiation . Even at low levels, ionizing radiation causes deleterious environmental effects and poses serious health risks including cancer, hereditary diseases, infertility, neurological disorders and heart disease . Consequently, the generation, management and disposal of radioactive waste is an area of serious concern.…”

“…Many radioisotopes in spent nuclear fuel have half‐lives on the order of thousands of years, and have been detected in soil, sediment, air and aquatic environments. Radionuclides can cause complex reactions with soil organic matter and their presence in topsoil and sediment is the main source of their introduction into the food chain …”

“…Additionally, recovering and recycling these materials maximize efficiency and limit cost. Current methods of wastewater treatment for radionuclides include filtration, precipitation, adsorption, membrane separation processes, electrochemical techniques and chemical reactions …”

Extraction and adsorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution using affinity ligand-based technologies: an overview

“…There are several comprehensive reviews and reports on the uranium recovery from seawater or uranium removal from contaminated water (Chareyron et al 2014;IAEA 1993; Katsoyiannis and Zouboulis 2013;Kim et al 2013;Leoncini et al 2017;Lindner and Schneider 2015;Veliscek-Carolan 2016;Husnain et al 2018;Li et al 2018;Madic et al 2007). Aly and Hamza (2013) summarized different technology for U removal.…”

152/154Eu(III) Ions Sorption on Stannic Silicate Granules: A Radiotracer Study

“…Due to rapid population growth, technological advancement and nuclear activities the rate of generated waste effluents has become a grave concern. These effluents are dangerous to human health and environment and have stimulated a renewed interest in monitoring, control and removal 1,2 . In reprocessing of nuclear spent fuel, many kinds of radionuclides such as uranium, europium, strontium, cesium and many other transuranic elements and fission products are of high toxicity, long half-life and carcinogenicity.…”