Removal of radio-contaminants from low level radioactive liquid waste

An efficient and safe waste management practices in congruence with evolving global approaches has been given vital priority in Indian nuclear power program. Effective removal of radio-contaminants from radioactive effluent streams prior to discharge through aquatic route has always been the thrust area for developing scientific concepts and translating the same into innovative technologies. Emphasis has been towards environment friendly green solutions. The primary objective is to isolate the radioactive waste from the biosphere to minimize migration of radionuclide into the geo-environment. Safe and secured management of radioactive effluents plays vital role towards acceptability of nuclear energy by general public. Extensive research & development in this field has resulted in standardization of the treatment methodologies. In addition to conventional chemical treatment, newer technologies like ion exchange and membrane processes have been evaluated and implemented on plant scale for effective containment of radionuclides present in liquid wastes. The use of membrane based reverse osmosis processes has also provided a promising methodology for demonstrating recycling of water recovered from radioactive liquid waste. There have been distinctly visible improvements in treatment and conditioning technologies. The radioactive wastes are gradually turning into the material of resource thereby, realizing the concept of 'Wealth from Waste'. (author)