A study of electrochemical precipitation as a possible method of removing radium from uranium industry liquid wastes

Of the various dissolved species contained in the effluents from the mining and milling of uranium ores, the one which is of particular concern for environmental protection is Radium-226. The literature shows that, in recent years, considerable efforts have been made to develop treatment systems that can achieve the stricter effluent discharge standards imposed by the regulatory bodies. There has also been a concern to treat the already existent sludges from previous treatments. The main priority is to limit, as much as possible, the arising of sludge from future treatment systems. The most common treatment used is the addition of lime and limestone to raise the pH followed by barium chloride to form a very finely divided Ba(Ra)S04 precipitate which is then settled in large ponds or basins. In spite of the high decontamination factors obtained with this technique, these may not be satisfactory in terms of environmental protection. In addition, the industry is increasingly aware of the economical benefits resulting from treatment processes that allow water reuse to the process. [Continues.]