New Methodological Approach to Water Purification from Long-Lived Radionuclides and Heavy Metals Under Emergency Conditions

The presented research results show a possibility of using a synthesized sorption material impregnated with iron (III) oxyhydroxide and manganese (IV) dioxide fixed on a polyurethane foam sheet and forming a nanostructure in the whole volume of this sheet. The above material can be used for the purposes of water purification from radionuclides and heavy metals to reach the level of potable water. The research was carried out using: (1) model systems obtained by mixing metal salt solutions and radionuclides: (Pb²⁺—5 mg/l, Hg²⁺—1 mg/l, Cd²⁺—10 mg/l, Cu²⁺—50 mg/l, ²³⁸U—10 mg/l, ¹³⁷Cs—100 Bq/l, ²⁴²Pu—5 Bq/l) and (2) water samples from surface water reservoirs. When compared, the two methods of purifying model water samples (sorption and co-precipitation) show consistent results. The residual content of the introduced metals and radionuclides varied within the error of the techniques of sample preparation and detection. However, the application of the developed sorbent showed considerable advantages due to its rapidity and ability to simplify the water purification process which is especially valuable for the application under field conditions. The suggested scheme of water purification can be used for effective water treatment including the conditions of emergencies.