The Project aim. Within the framework of the project, it is planned to develop a technology for the removal of surface sewage from tailing dumps with radioactive waste to the collectors for chemical processing and conservation of radionuclides and thereby prevent the infiltration of wastewater into groundwater reservoirs.
Current status. Now, the effect of return water from agricultural lands on the chemical composition of groundwater was studied (increase in the content of nitrates, phosphates, etc.) during the vegetation season. The results were obtained at burning and chemical analysis of plant samples from the tailings dams indicating about the accumulation of radionuclides by plants. The type and composition of chemical reagents that can be used for sewage treatment from the tailings pond zone and the conservation of radionuclides are determined.
The project’ influence on progress in this area. After the completion of all the tasks planned for the project and its completion, a recommendation and a technological regulation will be developed for the recycling of waste water from tailing dumps with radioactive waste to prevent the contamination of groundwater tanks not only with chemical but also radioactive elements. The developed technology allows to cross the spread of diseases associated with water factors as a carrier of various undesirable dangerous ingredients for the human body.
The participants’ expertise. The employees of the project have a wide experience in researches of dosimetry and radioactivity, radioisotopes and chemical reaction for production of absorbents to accumulation of radionuclides.
Expected results and their application. The implementation of this Project will lead to a comprehensive definition of the radioecological status of the main tailing dumps with radioactive waste of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, agrochemical characteristics of soils in the sanitary zone of the tailing dumps and the degree of penetration of sewage from the tailing dumps into the groundwater reservoirs.
A mechanism for the accumulation of radionuclides by plants will be established which opens the prospect of decontaminating the tailings dams’ territory by cultivating and growing plants with high accumulative capacity. A technology will be developed for the transportation, collection and treatment of wastewater from tailing dumps with radioactive waste and the technology for the conservation of radionuclides.
Development of the technological scheme, recommendations and technological regulations for the prevention of pollution of groundwater reservoirs –source of drinking waters
Scope of activities. The following activities will be implemented under the Project:
- Monitoring of radioecological situation on the territory of tailing dumps with radioactive waste and
measurement of the radiation background depending on the season of the year; - Sampling of soil, plants from the sanitary zone of tailing dumps and identification concentrations of Radionuclides;
- Determination of the filtration coefficient (k), humidity index (?) and porosity index of soil (P) from the sanitary zone of the tailing dumps and the coefficient of infiltration of surface water in the soils of the
corresponding tailing dumps using the method of potentials;- Drilling wells on the territory of tailing dumps and investigation of the chemical and isotope composition of
groundwater in the sanitary zone of the tailing dumps with radioactive waste- Sampling of water from wells in the dry period of the year (June - August) and in the period of heavy
precipitation (March-May, October-December) and carrying out a complex physical, chemical and isotope
analyzes;
- Conducting hydrotechnical measures to drain sewage from tailings to the reservoir for subsequent treatment
and conservation of radionuclides;
- Development of methods for chemical treatment of wastewater in collectors;
- Development of methods for the conservation of dry sludge in collectors using local bentonite clays;
- Development of the technological scheme, recommendations and technological regulations for the
prevention of pollution of groundwater reservoirs - drinking water source; - Development of a technological scheme for the collection, treatment of sewage from the tailing dumps with
radioactive waste, a technology for the conservation of radionuclides in the composition of wastewater
draining from tailing dumps;- Development of recommendations and technological regulations for the protection of groundwater reservoirs
from pollution by chemical pollutants and radionuclides.
