Batch, fixed-bed column and hybrid membrane process studies of radiocesium removal from contaminated water by nanocomposite SiEA-KNiFe sorbent

Abstract

Currently, there are more than 440 nuclear fission reactors in 30 countries generating about 12% of the world’s supply of electricity [1, 2]. Most of the commercial nuclear power reactors are light water reactors (LWRs). One of the three types of LWRs is the pressurised water reactor (PWR), which is the most common construction of nuclear reactors and constitutes about 60% of the world’s nuclear power plants [3]. In a PWR, light water serves as a coolant which removes the heat produced inside the reactor core by the nuclear fission reaction. Moreover, in PWR, water is also a moderator which slows down neutrons that are released during the nuclear fission process [4].