Adsorption of radioactive materials by green microalgae dunaliella salina from aqueous solution

Abstract

Introduction: Nuclear accidents release large quantities of radioactive materials into the environment. Iodine-131 and cesium-137 are two radionuclides released during nuclear accident, which can pose the greatest cancer risks. These radionuclides can be moved to other areas through rain and wind. The aim of this study was to develop efficient and economical biological methods for the absorption of water-soluble radionuclides released after a nuclear accident. Material and Methods: The exposure of the algae to an aqueous solution of I-131 radionuclide was performed for 1, 2, and 3 h. The concentration activities of the samples were 27 μCi/ml and 270 μCi/ml. After the removal of the alga by centrifuging, the activities of the sample solutions were measured using a calibrated dose calibrator. The measured activities at the mentioned periods of time were statistically significant for both groups (P<0.05). Results: The obtained results of the current study revealed that the activity of radioiodine-131 decreased 1, 2, and 3 h after adding algae, compared to the control group at the same time (21.8, 32.33, 39.84 for 27 μCi/ml and 15.38, 21.53, and 30 for 270 μCi/ml, respectively). Furthermore, radioactive iodine is absorbed very well with this type of algae. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Dunaliella salina can be used for the decontamination of radioiodine. This method can play a significant role in the decontamination of hazardous radioiodine after nuclear accidents. © 2019, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.