Abstract
It is documented that the Chernobyl nuclear melt down released large amounts of Cs-137, Cs-134 and Sr-90 (100, 50 and 8 PBq, respectively). The accident had a devastating impact on the marine environment. The main aim of this research was to study the removal of cesium and strontium in seawater by natural zeolite. The experimental design used fixed bed column with different bed depths, pH levels, and flow rates of seawater. The salinity of experimental seawater was adjusted to 35 ppt.; and concentrations of cesium and strontium were 80 and 20 mg/l. Natural zeolite treated with NaCl was found appropriate for use in this experiment. Zeolite could remove cesium but not strontium from the marine environment. The zeolite removal efficiency of cesium was compared at seawater pH values of 4, 7, and 9. Zeolite efficiency was significantly greater at a pH of 9 compared to a pH of 4 (P<0.05). Efficiency of removal by zeolite was significantly better at a bed depth of 6 cm. (18.84 cm3) than with only a 3 cm. depth (9.42 cm3) (P<0.05). However, flow rates of 3 and 6 ml/min. during zeolite removal did not significantly affect cesium levels (P>0.05).
Author Information
Waruntara Tankam, Mahodol University, Thailand
Naowarut Charoenca, Mahodol University, Thailand
Nipapun Kungskulniti, Mahodol University, Thailand
Yutthana Tumnoi, Office of Atoms for Peace, Thailand
Paper Information
Conference: ACSEE2016
Stream: Environmental Sustainability & Environmental Management: Freshwater, Oceans and Seas
This paper is part of the ACSEE2016 Conference Proceedings (View)
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