Deactivation and treatment of mine wastewaters and of aqueous solutions discharged in uranium ore treatment and processing

A description is presented of decontamination and purification of mine wastewaters and water solutions discharged from uranium ore treatment and processing and of the simultaneous removal and concentration of uranium-radium daughters, mainly of 226Ra and 210Pb. These elements are incorporated in the mycelium of microorganisms, such as those of the Fungi imperfecti class or are sorbed on the mycelium surface. The mycelia are then mechanically separated from the decontaminated solution, e.g., by filtration, centrifugation or sedimentation. The mycelium may be cultivated in the purified solutions to which nutrients are added, such as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in concentrations necessary for the growth of the microorganisms used. The mycelium may be added to the purified solution either in the native or in the dried state. (B.S.)