Radiation processing of liquid and solid industrial wastes

As a consequence of world population growth and increased industrial production, a heavy burden on the global environment is observed. The radiation processing of liquid and solid wastes can contribute in an important way to solving this problem. After a short description of radiation sources and water radiolysis, the present state of the art concerning the radiation induced decomposition of biologically resistant pollutants in wastewater is described. The possibility of using radiation for the disinfection of hospital wastes and garbage from international airports and seaports is also discussed. The final point dealt with is the recycling of solid wastes (used tyres and plastics) by their irradiation induced degradation into various products, which can be used as starting material for synthesis. (author). 74 refs, 6 figs, 1 tab