Radiation processing of wastewater

Rapid population growth and increased agricultural and industrial development have led to the generation of large quantities of polluted industrial and municipal wastewaters. The recognition that these polluted waters may pose a serious threat to humans has led technologists to seek cost effective technologies for their treatment. A variety of methods based on biological. chemical. photochemical and electrochemical processes are being explored for decomposing the chemical and biological contaminants present in these wastewaters. Radiation technologists have been investigating the use of high energy radiation for their treatment. The primary advantage of radiation processing over alternatives is that the reactive species are generated in situ during the radiolysis process without the addition of any chemicals. Several pilot scale and a number of industrial scale wastewater treatment plants based on radiation technology are in operation or under construction. The results of practical applications have confirmed that radiation technology can be easily and effectively utilized for treating large quantities ol wastewater