Scientists from the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, working with an international team, have developed a novel absorber for treating liquid radioactive waste. The advance reflects ongoing efforts to improve safety and efficiency in managing waste produced at nuclear power facilities. Liquid radioactive waste arises at multiple stages of nuclear plant operation, and its management is crucial because radioactive isotopes can concentrate in living organisms and pose health risks if released into the environment. These concerns drive the search for effective containment and cleanup methods that protect people and ecosystems alike.
Today a common approach for treating such waste involves filtration systems designed to trap radioactive components. The challenge remains to tailor absorbers to target specific pollutants, ensuring maximum removal while minimizing costs and secondary waste. In recent discussions with researchers in the field, it has been highlighted that informed absorber selection should consider not only physical and chemical performance but also economic viability and regional context. Choosing raw materials sourced locally can reduce transport costs and support regional waste treatment programs, a principle echoed by teams examining the practicality of regional supply chains for absorbent materials.
In this latest development, a collaborative team led by MEPhI researchers and Moroccan experts explored a new sorbent based on chitosan, a natural polymer derived from shellfish and other crustacean wastes, combined with metakaolin, a mineral product produced from processed white clay. The approach also incorporates Moroccan oil shale sourced from the Tarfaya region, exploiting locally available materials to create an effective adsorbent. This composition seeks to leverage the complementary properties of a biopolymer and mineral components to enhance uptake of contaminants from liquid waste streams.
Laboratory tests demonstrated a promising absorption coefficient for uranyl, the principal uranium-containing species in dissolved waste. The measured value around 0.236 mol per liter indicates performance on par with several established adsorbents used in treating uranium-bearing effluents. The researchers also observed that the sorbent becomes saturated with contaminants within a timeframe of a few hours, underscoring the practicality for real-world treatment timelines where rapid processing is advantageous.
These findings align with broader efforts to optimize waste treatment by combining material science with pragmatic process considerations. By integrating locally available resources and focusing on target-specific adsorption, the work aims to deliver an absorber that is both effective and economically sensible for regional deployment. While the initial results are promising, ongoing work will refine the formulation, assess long-term stability, and evaluate performance across a range of waste compositions to ensure robust applicability in diverse settings.
Earlier analyses in the same research context noted evolving perspectives on the management of radioactive water, underscoring the importance of continued innovation in filtration and adsorption technologies as part of a comprehensive waste treatment strategy. The ongoing collaboration across institutions highlights the value of cross-border scientific exchange in advancing practical solutions for nuclear safety and environmental protection.