The press service of Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNIPU) reported that university scientists have developed a new material to remove radioactive elements from water. The biosorbent is made from seaweed modified with iron ferrocyanide.
The main task is to absorb radioactive cesium-137, which is formed by nuclear power plant operations and can persist in the environment for decades. The press service notes that natural absorbents, such as algae or clay, do not have sufficient selectivity and effectiveness.
Scientists tested three types of algae: the seagrass Zostera marina, the red algae Phyllophora nervosa and the brown alga Cystoseira barbata. Iron ferrocyanide is coated on their surface, creating a molecular trap for cesium ions. The most effective is proven by modified brown algae, which is capable of absorbing up to 113.64 milligrams of Cesium per gram, 11 times higher than natural algae.
