Remediation of radiocesium-contaminated liquid waste, soil, and ash: a mini review since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2016 Feb;23(3):2249-63. doi: 10.1007/s11356-015-5825-4. Epub 2015 Nov 25.

Abstract

The radiation contamination after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident attracts considerable concern all over the world. Many countries, areas, and oceans are greatly affected by the emergency situation other than Japan. An effective remediation strategy is in a highly urgent demand. Though plenty of works have been carried out, progressive achievements have not yet been well summarized. Here, we review the recent advances on the remediation of radiocesium-contaminated liquid waste, soil, and ash. The overview of the radiation contamination is firstly given. Afterwards, the current remediation strategies are critically reviewed in terms of the environmental medium. Special attentions are paid on the adsorption/ion exchange and electrically switched ion exchange methods. Finally, the present review outlines the possible works to do for the large-scale application of the novel remediation strategies.

Keywords: Adsorption; Ash; Electrically switched ion exchange; Extraction; Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident; Remediation; Strategy.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Air Pollutants / chemistry*
  • Cesium Radioisotopes / chemistry*
  • Environmental Restoration and Remediation / methods*
  • Fukushima Nuclear Accident*
  • Japan
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / chemistry*
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive / chemistry*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Soil Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive