“Preparation, Characterization and Application of Nano-Cryptomelane for Liquid Radioactive Waste Treatment”

Abstract

Radioactive waste is generated from the production of nuclear energy and the use of radioactive materials applications. Radioactive waste contains different radionuclides which are hazardous to human and environment. Therefore, the treatment of radioactive waste is a very important task. The main aim of this thesis is directed to evaluate the potential use of nano-cryptomelane as a sorbent material for aqueous radioactive waste treatment. The removal of Pb2+, Cs+ and Co2+ from single, binary and ternary solutions using nano-cryptomelane was assessed by investigating the sorptive behavior of these elements on the synthesized material. Modification of nan-cryptomelane was achieved by producing beads to be used in the column technique. Operational design criteria for the column and some aspects on studied elements also included. The work carried out in this thesis is presented in three chapters, namely, introduction, experimental, as well as results and discussion. The first chapter, "Introduction", comprises background on radioactive wastes, their sources and classifications, different techniques of treatment of aqueous radioactive waste. This chapter includes also the definition of nanotechnology, importance and size dependent properties of nanomaterials. Classification of nanomaterial depending upon their composition or their dimensionality also reported. The different methods of preparation of nanoparticles including the advantages and disadvantages of each method also outlined. Toxicity of nanomaterials and the different types of nanomaterials used in wastewater treatment also illustrated.