Processing method for radioactive liquid waste

Liquid wastes generated upon electropolishing of metals such as carbon steel and stainless steel contaminated by uranium (U) are processed to remove most of U and heavy metals. An aqueous solution of magnesium salt is dissolved in the radioactive liquid wastes containing a slight amount of heavy metals (Fe, Ni and Cr) and U, and subsequently, water glass is added. Further, an alkali solution is added to control pH to 8 to 9, and a water glass precipitate is formed to remove heavy metals and U. With such procedures, since heavy metals such as Fe, Ni and Cr and U are agglomerated in the water glass precipitates, radioactive wastes can be processed by removing the water glass precipitates. Further, according to this method, U in the liquid wastes can be completely removed to less than a detection limit, as well as heavy metals can be reduced to less than a regulated value. (T.M.)