Method for reprocessing liquid radioactive wastes, combining selective complexing and ultrafiltration

This paper presents a new approach to the problem of reprocessing liquid radioactive wastes, based on the idea of selective extraction of radioactive elements from the solutions. This is solved by combining the method of selective binding of the radionuclides with a macromolecular agent and the method of ultrafiltration through a semi-permeable membrane: the membrane passes the radionuclide-free permeate, while the components being extracted are held back in the concentrated solution. Cobalt, manganese, chromium and iron were the transition-metal ions used in selecting the binding agents. The method combining selective complexing and ultrafiltration is promising for reprocessing of liquid radioactive wastes, especially wastes with a salt content exceeding 500 mg/liter