Design and economic comparison of uranium-contaminated soil cleaning system based on ultrasonic technology
- 주제(키워드) Clearance level , Decontamination , Gravel washing , Ultrasonication , Uranium
- 등재 SCIE, SCOPUS
- 발행기관 Elsevier Ltd
- 발행년도 2024
- 총서유형 Journal
- URI http://www.dcollection.net/handler/ewha/000000231786
- 본문언어 영어
- Published As https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.105051
초록/요약
This investigation focused on a comprehensive design for decontamination of actual uranium (U)-contaminated soil/gravel from economical and practical perspectives. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an ultrasonic process in decontaminating U-contaminated soil/gravel. Several decontamination experiments were carried out to investigate the total U concentration in U-contaminated soil/gravel, consisting of (i) soluble U under a neutral pH condition, (ii) insoluble U fine particles at the surface of soil/gravel, and (iii) strongly (or chemically) bound U in soil/gravel. Subsequently, we adopted an ultrasonic process for decontamination of crushed U-contaminated gravel to meet the guideline for the clearance level of U (<1 Bq·g−1) suggested by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Normalized decontamination performance tended to increase with increasing ultrasonic frequency, and the U concentration in a relatively low concentration sample met the required clearance level of U after decontamination by relatively high ultrasonic frequency under a neutral pH condition. In addition, the OH· concentration in solution during ultrasonication was attributed to the removal of strongly (or chemically) bound U in gravel. Finally, on the basis of an economic analysis comparing the present study with our previous study and permanent disposal of all of the U-contaminated soil/gravel without any decontamination, the suggested comprehensive zero liquid discharge system is expected to be a feasible and viable strategy. © 2024
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