Possibility of Applying Superconducting High-gradient Magnetic Separation to Volume Reduction of Cesium-contaminated Soil

Abstract

An investigation as to whether or not superconducting high-gradient magnetic separation is capable of reducing the volume of cesium in contaminated soil is reviewed. This unique physical method can selectively remove paramagnetic 2:1-type clay minerals that strongly trap cesium inside the interlaminar site from soil suspensions. However, there are technical issues, such as wide particle size distribution and particle aggregation. To solve these problems, advanced pretreatments of advanced classification and alkaline dispersion treatments were performed, and the radioactivity concentration reduction rate was successfully increased. Based on the results, issues for practical application were discussed.