SELECTIVE REMOVAL OF RADIONUCLIDES FROM NUCLEAR WASTE EFFLUENTS USING INORGANIC ION EXCHANGERS

The development of ion exchange processes and materials focuses on selective separation. R&D on inorganic materials for selective separation processes has been strong for several years. The superior selectivity of some inorganic ion exchangers compared to other sorption materials presently used in the separation processes has been the major initiative for continuing research. High selectivity is the key to fulfilling the strict regulations concerning waste effluents and to enhancing the energy efficiency of separation processes. Several selective inorganic ion exchange materials have been developed at the Laboratory of Radiochemistry for decontamination of low and intermediate radioactive waste solutions, and some of those materials have found industrial applications.