Removal of Radioactive Cs Using Aqueous Sodium Metasilicate with Reduced Volumes of Waste Solution

Abstract

Remediation of materials contaminated with a radioactive material such as 137Cs is important. Here, we report on the effectiveness of an aqueous sodium metasilicate prepared with a microbubble crushing process (SMC) for the removal of radioactive 137Cs from granule conglomerates and nonwoven cloth. A 137Cs removal ratio of 78% was achieved for the nonwoven cloth sample, and multiple washings at low SMC concentrations were effective. In addition, the volume of the waste solution could be reduced by neutralizing the SMC and using gelation to remove the radioactive material. The decontamination is shown to be more efficient than that with sodium hydroxide, even for washing granule conglomerates.

Remediation Technology For Cesium Using Microbubbled Water Containing Sodium Silicate

“…An ultrasound pretreatment of aqueous sodium metasilicate to form SMC and reduce the bubble size does not decrease the eduction rate of aqueous sodium metasilicate and offers the possibility of sustained cleansing. In this experiment, we conducted a cleaning test in a standing solution so that we could focus on the chemical cleansing effects due to the synergy between aqueous sodium metasilicate and microbubbles as opposed to focusing on the physical cleansing effects [1].…”

“…8.5). 137 Cs was captured in the gel after coprecipitation [1,2]. Hence, each concentration of SMC has the ability to capture Cs effectively.…”

“…Various decontamination methods have been developed and applied in Fukushima Prefecture [1][2][3][4], but optimum methods for remediation of materials under specific contamination conditions still need to be developed. Radioactive Cs adsorbs on soil particles through ion exchange with potassium [5,6].…”

“…Radioactive Cs adsorbs on soil particles through ion exchange with potassium [5,6]. Our research focused on using aqueous 1 Photographs of aqueous sodium metasilicate irradiated by a green laser after storage for one-half year. The metasilicate was dissolved in water (a) without crushing, and (b) with crushing [1].…”

“…Our research focused on using aqueous 1 Photographs of aqueous sodium metasilicate irradiated by a green laser after storage for one-half year. The metasilicate was dissolved in water (a) without crushing, and (b) with crushing [1]. The black object in the lower right corner is the green laser sodium metasilicate as a new detergent and possible decontamination agent.…”