Radionuclides: Availability, Effect, and Removal Techniques

Nuclear energy advent has brought along with enormous quantity of radionuclides which are released into our ecosystem and cannot be avoided. The elimination of these radionuclides from waste water is the demand of the time for protecting our surrounding. The aim of this chapter is to discuss available radionuclides like uranium, lead, polonium, caesium, strontium, thorium, radon, and radium and their properties. Moreover, the health problem causes due to these radionuclides contaminating water bodies are also highlighted. Techniques involved in removal of radionuclides like ion exchange, aeration, filtration, nanofilteration, flocculation, reverse osmosis, granular activated carbon, and a wide range of nanomaterials such as metal organic framework (MOF), covalent organic framework (COF), and carbon nanotubes are summarized. An idea about cost effectiveness of the techniques discussed is also highlighted.