IAEA initiatives in advancement of radiation technologies for environmental remediation

Abstract

A variety of emerging chemicals of concern are discharged into the environment leading to contamination of water resources. These chemicals even at trace levels have the potential to adversely affect the aquatic, animals and human life. Effective and efficient technologies for treatment of such pollutants are therefore needed. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP), involving the in situ generation of oxidants such as the hydroxyl radical (•OH), have emerged as an important class of technologies for accelerating destruction of such organic contaminants. These include the use of photons and energetic sub-atomic particles like electrons (high energy radiation) to generate reactive intermediates •OH radicals IAEA has been at the forefront of recognizing the need to develop appropriate technologies to meet the challenges of evolving environmental issues. This paper gives an insight into the current status of the radiation technology with emphasis on IAEA activities, including examples of successes achieved as well as challenges for broader dissemination of radiation processing technology for environmental remediation.