Low level radioactive waste treatment by coagulation flocculation technique: a review

Current review reports coagulation-based flocculation for treatment of radioactive wastewater. At low pH, high dosages are necessary to achieve charge neutralization resulting poor separation yield. Most radionuclides coagulate and flocculate under alkaline conditions. Stirring also affects the morphology of flocs while excessive stirring re-dissolves the flocs and decreases the SEPARATION yield. Yield depends on coagulant mixing rate, pH, concentration, temperature, stirring time and rate, settling time and sedimentation rate. The commonly used coagulants are Fe and Al while Fe is famous among all coagulants. This review is useful to develop a radionuclides separation plan from environmental protection perspective in the emergency situation.