Removal of cesium through adsorption from aqueous solutions: A systematic review

Abstract

Cesium radioactive isotopes (134Cs and 137Cs) are dangerous to human health due to their long half-life and high solubility in water. Nuclear experiments, wars, and nuclear plant accidents have been the main sources of Cs release into the environment. In recent years, several methods have been introduced for the elimination of Cs radioactive isotopes from contaminated water. This study provides an overview of the available published articles (2008–2016) regarding the remediation of waters polluted by Cs isotopes. The maximum adsorption capacity (MAC) of Cs isotopes corresponded to natural chabazite (273.24 mg Cs/g adsorbent), hollow Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles (262 mg Cs/g adsorbent), and Prussian blue implemented non-woven fabric (260 mg Cs/g adsorbent). Using natural chabazite and PB adsorbents, along with another adsorbent (PB graphene oxide hydrogel), Cs radioactive isotopes can be effectively removed from the aqueous solutions.

Keywords

• cesium
• isotopes
• sorption
• biosorbents
• drinking water
• radioactive material