Review on some applications of ionizing radiation in water, sewage effluent and sludge refinement on an industrial scale

With industrialization of countries and increasing concentrations of various pollutants in the environment, developing new technologies especially nuclear technology such as ionizing radiation has been proposed for removing of environmental pollutants. In development of new methods have both conditions economically feasible and environmentally friendly. From the ionizing radiation, gamma and electron beam radiations may be used to removing contaminants and refinement of water, sewage effluent and sludge. The use of electron beam radiation for treatment and disinfection of water or effluent on industrial scale is preferred to gamma radiation due to its advantages such as generating high levels of free radicals in time, lack of replacement costs and reducing annual activity radioisotope’s gamma source, no radioactive source, comfortable control in emergencies, repairs, maintenance and switching on and off immediately. Most laboratory studies of ionizing radiation, are done by using gamma radiation especially cobalt-60 source due to ease of using gamma ray Application of ionizing radiation on industrial scale has been growing in recent years in the world. With the construction and operation of the treatment plants in Iran, the production capacity of wastewater and sewage sludge and the necessity of their safe using as fertilizer or water resources have been increased in agricultural crops. On the other hand, by implementing Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with the leading countries in laying the groundwork is inevitable to carry out research, design and construction of irradiation systems for disinfection of wastewater and sewage sludge on industrial scale.