Organic matter controls on radium removal via barite coprecipitation

Radium is a radioactive element often found in wastewater from uranium mining and oil and gas industries. One common approach to remove radium from wastewater is to add barium and sulfate to form the mineral barite. The barite traps the radium and can then be disposed of safely. However, chemicals released by decaying plants into the water may sometimes make this process less effective. This project in partnership with Ensero solutions will explore the possible impacts of these chemicals on effectiveness of radium removal with barite formation. Understanding this system better will help them improve approaches to radium removal from wastewater and plan effectively for future seasonal changes at field sites where they are using this treatment approach. For Canada, this will provide benefits to our economy and the environment, allowing Canadian industries with these issues to improve their environmental stewardship and save money on waste disposal costs.

Faculty Supervisor:

Joyce McBeth

Student:

Partner:

Ensero Solutions Canada Inc.

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services

University:

University of Saskatchewan

Program: