Long-term monitoring of water treatment technology designed for radium removal —removal efficiencies and NORM formation
A drinking water treatment plant in Viimsi, Estonia, was monitored over three years for iron,
manganese, radium-226, radium-228, as well as their daughter nuclides, in order to determine the
efficiency of the treatment process, gain an insight into the removal mechanisms and interactions
between radium, iron, and manganese, and assess the overall longevity and performance of the
technology along with the possible build-up of NORM in the treatment process. During the study,
samples were collected from raw water, first and second stage filtrate, consumer water, backwash
water and filter materials. The results show consistent removal efficiency for iron and manganese,
as well as an average of over 85% removal for radium with a slight decline over time. The backwash
process has been optimised for maximum radium removal from the filters, while keeping concentrations
in the backwash water below exemption levels. However, the accumulation of radium and thorium occurs
in the filter mate...
Source: Journal of Radiological Protection - Category: Physics Authors: Liie Hill, Siiri Suursoo, Madis Kiisk, Alar Jantsikene, Nele Nilb, Rein Munter, Enn Realo, Rein Koch, Kaisa Putk, Maria Leier, Taavi Vaasma and Kadri Isakar Source Type: research