REMOVAL OF NUCLEAR BOMB DEBRIS, STRONTIUM 90-YTTRIUM 90, AND CESIUM 137- BARIUM 137 FROM WATER WITH CORPS OF ENGINEERS MOBILE WATER-TREATING EQUIPMENT
Abstract
A field study on the removal of radioactive substances from water was conducted by the Sanitary Sciences Branch, U. S. Army Engineer Research and Development Laboratories, in cooperation with the Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization, at the Atomic Energy Commission's Nevada Test Site during 16 September through 5 November 1959. Three water-treating units were evaluated for radioactivity-removal efficiency: The standard Army Mobile Water Purification Unit (1,500 gph); a prototype Mobile Ion Exchange Unit (1,500 gph); and an electrodialysis demineralization unit (30 gph). The contaminants used were: (1) aged nuclear bomb debris from an underground detonation, powdered to 3 microns average particle size; (2) strontium 90-yttrium 90; and (3) cesium 137- barium 137. Well water of approximately 900 ppm total dissolved solids was deliberately contaminated with the radioactive material of choice and then subjected to the decontamination procedures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0265585
Entities
People
- Don C. Lindsten
- Maurice Pressman
- Richard P. Schmitt
Organizations
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Laboratory