Whiskey By-Products to be Used in Cleanup of Radioactive Waste

摘要

Researchers from the Environmental Research Institute in Scotland hope to clean up toxic waste at the Dounreay nuclear site using a "biosorption" process -where biological materials absorb radioactive isotopes. Scientists believe grain left over from whisky production may be a "sustainable solution that can be sourced locally", and are also testing seaweed, crab shells and coffee grounds. The radioactive isotope is present in liquid waste inside Dounreay's Shaft, which is situated in the shores of Pentland Firth approximately 65 metres below ground. Radioactive waste was disposed at the Dounreay nuclear site from 1959 to 1977, when an explosion ended the practice.