Improving the precipitation of uranium and other contaminants from radioactive water by decomposing the carbonate complexes prior to precipitation by addition of lime

摘要

Precipitation of uranium and heavy and toxic metals from carbonate/bicarbonate-containing water (especially radioactive water) is such that, prior to uranium precipitation by Ca(OH)2 addition, the uranium-carbonate complexes are extensively decomposed by adding acid and intensively stirring at pH below 4.3 and then introducing fine air bubbles to drive out the formed and dissolved CO2. The process is effected at the highest available water temperature.