Management of 137Cs in electric arc furnace dust by solid-liquid extraction and treatment of contaminated wastewater using co-precipitation
P. Sopapan, Sudarat Issarapanacheewin, Thunyaras Akharawutchayanon, Klitsadee Yubonmhat, P. Gunhakoon, Witsanu Katekaew, Nikom Prasertchiewchan
Abstract
Efficient decontamination of 137Cs in electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) was carried out using a solid-liquid extraction method and then the obtained wastewater contaminated with 137Cs was treated by a co-precipitation. The influence of pH, stirring time, settling time, and different radioactivity on removal efficiency was assessed. Depended on the initial concentration and the solid-liquid ratio, it is possible to reduce around 93–96% radioactivity from EAFD, meanwhile the removal efficiency of 137Cs from wastewater exhibits in excess of 99%. After treatment, the final solution was certified safe from 137Cs, while the radioactive sludge could be stored safely.