Synthesis of studies on significant atmospheric electrical effects of major nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima

Recent trends in the phytoremediation of radionuclide contamination of soil by cesium and strontium: Sources, mechanisms and methods: A comprehensive review

This comprehensive review examines recent trends in phytoremediation strategies to address soil radionuclide contamination by cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr). Radionuclide contamination, resulting from natural processes and nuclear-related activities such as accidents and the operation of nuclear facilities, poses significant risks to the environment and human health. Cs and Sr, prominent radionuclides involved in nuclear accidents, exhibit chemical properties that contribute to their toxicity, including easy uptake, high solubility, and long half-lives. Phytoremediation is emerging as a promising and environmentally friendly approach to mitigate radionuclide contamination by exploiting the ability of plants to extract toxic elements from soil and water. This review focuses specifically on the removal of 90Sr and 137Cs, addressing their health risks and environmental implications. Understanding the mechanisms governing plant uptake of radionuclides is critical and is influenced by factors such as plant species, soil texture, and physicochemical properties. Phytoremediation not only addresses immediate contamination challenges but also provides long-term benefits for ecosystem restoration and sustainable development. By improving soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, phytoremediation is in line with global sustainability goals and environmental protection initiatives. This review aims to provide insights into effective strategies for mitigating environmental hazards associated with radionuclide contamination and to highlight the importance of phytoremediation in environmental remediation efforts.

Optimal Synthesis of Novel Phosphonic Acid Modified Diatomite Adsorbents for Effective Removal of Uranium(VI) Ions from Aqueous Solutions

The authors synthesized a series of functionalized diatomite-based materials and assessed their U(VI) removal performance. Phosphor-derivative-modified diatomite adsorbents were synthesized by the three-route procedures: polymerisation (DIT-Vin-PAin), covalent (DIT-Vin-PAcov), and non-covalent (DIT-PA) immobilization of the functional groups. The effects of the diatomite modification have been studied using powder XRD, solid state NMR, FTIR spectroscopy, electronic microscopy, EDX, acid-base titrations, etc. The maximum adsorption capacities of DIT-Vin-PAcov, DIT-PA, and DIT-Vin-PAin samples were 294.3 mg/g, 253.8 mg/g, and 315.9 mg/g, respectively, at pH0 = 9.0. The adsorption amount of U(VI) ions using the prepared DIT-Vin-PAin was 95.63%, which is higher compared with that of the natural diatomite at the same concentration. The adsorption studies demonstrated that the phosphonic and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the diatomite played pivotal roles in the U(VI) adsorption. The U(VI) ions as a "hard" Lewis acid could easily form bonds with the "hard" donor P-containing ligands, so that the as-prepared DIT-Vin-PAin sample had excellent adsorption properties. The monolayer adsorption of the analyte on the surface of the raw diatomite and DIT-PA was observed. It was found from the thermodynamic parameters that the uptake of the U(VI) ions by the obtained adsorbents was a spontaneous process with an endothermic effect. Findings of the present work highlight the potential for using modified diatomite as effective and reusable adsorbents for the extraction of U(VI) in the waste, river, and tap waters with satisfactory results.

Uptake of Radionuclides 60Co, 137Cs, and 90Sr with α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 Particles from Aqueous Environment

In the paper, investigation results of the uptake efficiency of radionuclides ⁶⁰Co, ⁹⁰Sr, and ¹³⁷Cs dissolved in water onto iron oxides α-Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ are presented. It was found that sorption efficiency increased for higher pH values. Independent of the oxide nature, the uptake characteristics are the best toward ⁶⁰Co and the worst toward ¹³⁷Cs, forming the row as follows: ⁶⁰Co > ⁹⁰Sr > ¹³⁷Cs. The highest sorption ability at pH 9 was found for magnetite Fe₃O₄, which was 93%, 73%, and 26% toward ⁶⁰Co, ⁹⁰Sr, and ¹³⁷Cs, respectively, while the respective percentages for hematite α-Fe₂O₃ were 85%, 41%, and 18%. It was assumed that the main sorption mechanism was ion exchange. That may explain some decrease of the sorption efficiency in drinking water due to the interfering presence of magnesium and calcium cations. The obtained results indicated the feasibility of the tested sorbents and their merits, especially in terms of relatively high uptake coefficients, low costs, availability, and lack of toxicity.