Nuclear sewage refers to the waste water containing radioactive isotopes produced by nuclear power plants, medical radiation facilities and laboratories. These wastewater are usually produced by the fission of fuel components (such as uranium or plutonium) or the decay of radioactive isotopes in the reactor. Nuclear sewage contains radioactive isotopes, such as strontium -90, cesium-137, iodine-125, etc. These isotopes are radioactive and may cause harm to human body and environment.
Nuclear wastewater refers to the treated wastewater generated in the normal operation of nuclear power plants. Nuclear power plants use a special coolant, usually liquid water, to keep the reactants in the reactor below the critical temperature. During the operation of the reactor, liquid water will contact with the fuel assembly and participate in the reaction, so it will produce wastewater containing radioactive isotopes.
These wastewater need to go through a series of treatment steps, such as filtration, precipitation, evaporation and so on to remove radioactive isotopes, so as to meet the discharge requirements of international standards.
Treatment methods and standards of nuclear wastewater and nuclear sewage
Because nuclear sewage is highly radioactive and dangerous, it needs to be treated by various methods to reduce its radioactive intensity and volume, and solidified or stabilized for safe storage or disposal. Commonly used treatment methods include chemical precipitation, ion exchange, adsorption, evaporation and concentration, membrane separation technology, biological treatment, magnetic molecular method, inert curing method and so on.
These methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is necessary to choose the appropriate method or combination according to the specific situation. The treated nuclear sewage must conform to international standards and safety specifications to avoid any possible leakage and accidents.
Because of its low radioactivity and low risk, nuclear wastewater can be treated by simple methods to meet the discharge standard or reuse standard. Commonly used treatment methods include precipitation, filtration and reverse osmosis. These methods can effectively remove tritium or other trace radioactive substances from nuclear waste water and reduce the impact on the environment.
The treated nuclear waste water must conform to international standards and safety specifications, control its radioactive level and emission, monitor its environmental impact, and take necessary protective measures.