Options for the treatment of areas contaminated by radionuclides

Abstract

Spread of the use of nuclear energy since 1940s has increased the risk of radioactive contamination. The use of geochemical barriers, either reactive or physical barriers, seems promising to immobilize and treat radionuclides in contaminated soils and water. In the case of long-lived redox-sensitive radionuclides, such as como el 99Tc, 238U o 239Pu, granulated zero-valent iron is the cheapest reactive media and provides the best results, as it generates strongly reducing conditions that favours the redox-driven precipitation.