Radiological decontamination methods: challenges and perspectives

Abstract

Radionuclides released during radiological or nuclear accident or attack can cause long-term environmental contamination and health problems in exposed persons so rapid decontamination is of great importance in order to reduce negative consequences. Radiological decontamination method should be efficient for a wide range of radionuclides in different conditions and on different surfaces, may not produce large amounts of secondary waste and should be inexpensive. Wide variety of physical and chemical methods for radiological decontamination is available but so far none provides unique solution. This paper provides an overview of currently used, still under development and new emerging radiological decontamination methods with a critical review on their advantages, limitations and disadvantages.