A review of potential remediation techniques for uranium(VI) ion retrieval from contaminated aqueous environment

Abstract

Uranium is known for its toxicity and has been a nuclear hazard. Its radioactive nature has made it a cause of lung and bone cancer. The uranium content in water bodies in several countries has surpassed the maximum permissible limits. In such regions of radioactive contamination of local soil and groundwater, the chemical toxicity of uranium has tremendously aggravated health concerns. Large scale loss of aquatic species has been witnessed due to uranium contamination. Governments have imposed regulations and set standards to limit the disposal of uranium in water bodies. Owing to its ability of fission, uranium simultaneously finds its application is nuclear energy generation. It is also used as a shield against radiation, as ammunition in military weaponry, as a counterweight for aircraft control surfaces, in radiotherapy and on-stream analysis of a wide range of minerals. With an objective to advance the understanding, this article covers the various techniques for the recovery of uranium along with a wide range of removal agents, considering the various factors that affect uranium uptake. The techniques contemplated upon include adsorption, membrane filtration, phytoremediation, reductive precipitation, microbiological methods and bio-precipitation. The isotherm and kinetic models used in adsorption have been stated and a comparative evaluation of the above listed techniques has also been done. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.