Removing radioactive waste from water

Science, Research

Chemists at the University of Iowa, led by Tori Forbes, investigate how to remove radioactive substances from water.

So. You wanna clean some radioactive waste out of your water? Then you might want to start by testing crystals. Like researchers at the University of Iowa are doing with National Science Foundation funding. They're investigating different recipes for solutions of molecules, to find which bonds best with uranium. Here's how they do it.

Mix those chemical solutions with uranium. The result... crystals!

Then observe the crystals under ultraviolet light. Put the crystals under the microscope to find the ones with most potential based on their shape. Study the chosen crystals using an instrument that emits powerful X-rays.

The X-rays are reflected in ways that reveal the crystals' chemical structure. Give special attention to the ones with the best 3D structure of molecules and uranium. Because it means their original solutions are effective at bonding to uranium. Showing off their water-decontaminating skills. But we're not finished!

Repeat the steps over and over and over with different combos of chemicals. To find the best chemical solution for forming nanotubes with uranium.

By that point, you'll have an idea of what's the best way to remove radioactive waste from contaminated water. Giving hope to recycling and reusing water from nuclear plants. Ensuring the security of our environment in economical fashion. Increasing our understanding of how atoms and molecules assemble into materials for water purification.

Credit: National Science Foundation
Country of origin: United States
Language: English
Released on: May 16, 2019

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