Review of biotechnology applications to nuclear waste treatment

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the feasibility of the application of biotechnology to nuclear waste treatment. The contents are based on a report which PA Technology carried out for the Department of the Environment (DoE Reference: DoE/RW/88.008 Sector No 2.3). Many living and dead organisms accumulate heavy metals and radionuclides. The controlled use of this phenomenon forms the basis for the application of biotechnology to the removal of radionuclides from nuclear waste streams. Indeed, biotechnology offers a series of new opportunities for removal of radionuclides from dilute aqueous process effluents. Such technology is already used for heavy metal removal on a commercial basis and could be optimised for radionuclide removal. An overview of biotechnology areas, namely the use of biopolymers and biosorption using biomass applicable to the removal of radionuclides from industrial nuclear effluents is given. The potential of biomagnetic separation technology, genetic engineering and monoclonal antibody technology is also to be examined. The most appropriate technologies to develop for radionuclide removal in the short term appear to be those based on biosorption of radionuclides by biomass and the use of modified and unmodified biopolymers in the medium term.

Efficient expression of the anti‐AahI' scorpion toxin nanobody under a new functional form in a Pichia pastoris system

“…Moreover, they do not show difficulties as frequently encountered for a single‐chain variable domain fragment expression (scFvs) 13,14. They have taken an increasing interest in industrial applications such as wastewater treatments 15–17, industrial scale separation processes 18, abzymes 19, or as ingredients in novel consumer goods 20. Also, they have been used in hygiene products such as shampoo and toothpaste 21.…”

Remediation of Radionuclide Pollutants through Biosorption – an Overview

“…Despite the extensive literature available on metal biosorption, less information is available on the applications of biosorption in nuclear waste management. Biosorption was reported to be the most appropriate technology for radionuclide removal in aqueous environment 41, 42. Compared to conventional treatment methods, biosorption as a biomass‐based system is considered as cost effective and flexible in detoxification of very dilute effluents 43.…”

Molecular dissection of a putative iron reductase from Desulfotomaculum reducens MI-1

“…Bioremediation utilizing indigenous bacterial strains capable of reducing metal ions has attracted intensive interest as a way to remove the contamination [1, 2]. The reduction of certain soluble metal and radionuclide ions leads to the production of their insoluble form, and thus facilitates their immobilization and subsequent removal from the contaminated site.…”