Tackling the nuclear legacy: Application of low-energy electrokinetic clean-up techniques to problem nuclear contaminants and sites

The UK government is committed to nuclear energy having an important role in delivering a secure, low-carbon and affordable energy future. Successful delivery of this strategy recognises a need for focused research and development activity and skills training, particularly around new technologies for the safe decommissioning and clean-up of existing and future nuclear licensed sites. This project, linked to the RCUK-funded TRANSCEND (Transformative Science and Engineering for Nuclear Decommissioning) consortium project, will examine the practical application of low-energy electrokinetic (EK) clean-up techniques to problem nuclear contaminants and sites. EK techniques use a low voltage DC current to control migration of, remove or degrade contaminants in soils. This project will build on previous research by the supervisors on low-energy ex-situ electrokinetic remediation techniques, and will focus on applying EK techniques as practical and scalable on-site environmental management and clean-up techniques, for soils, groundwaters and other environmental materials.