Investigations to Increase the Efficiency of Fluorine and Boron Removal from Groundwater Using Radiation-Induced Graft Polymerization Adsorbent

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency is performing a research project in the Mizunami Underground Research Laboratory (MIU) to build a firm scientific and technological basis for the studies of the deep underground environment in crystalline rock. In the project, it is necessary to reduce the fluorine and boron concentrations in groundwater pumped from the MIU shafts to levels below the environmental standards. This is done at the MIU water treatment facility using coagulation and ion exchange treatment for fluorine and boron, respectively. In addition, in 2006, research started on the efficient treatment of groundwater for removal of fluorine and boron using a radiation-induced graft polymerization adsorbent. The adsorbent removed boron at a flow rate (space velocity (SV)=120 h−1) higher than that of a general ion exchange resin (SV=10 h−1) and the adsorbent could be used repeatedly. It was also apparent that the pH of groundwater had an influence on adsorption performance. With respect to fluorine removal, more than 90% of fluorine was removed. However, the adsorbent for fluorine showed a lower adsorption capacity than that for boron. The reason for this difference is considered to be related to the initial concentration difference between fluorine and boron in the groundwater. Therefore, it is necessary to define the initial concentrations of dissolved materials, which can be used as better indicators of the performance of the adsorbent.