Detection of Cs-137 in Electronic Waste and Its Concealment in Concretes: Challenges for Safe Controlled Market Transition
Abstract
Environmental cases related to recycling slag-concrete, ceramic, and electronic waste have been reported periodically. The practice of improperly discarding electronic waste in developing countries should be eliminated. Not only concrete but also solid-state battery (SSB) waste is becoming a future source for recycling processes. The problem is that Cs-137, a radioactive alkali metal with high solubility, can be present in fly ash used for alkali-activated materials (AAM). Mixing AAM with water and cellulose forms new solid materials for applications ranging from small electronic components to large building materials.
This review utilized Science Direct and PubMed-based search engines with keywords: Cs-137 and Cs-137 doping. Identification and screening were performed on electronic waste and concrete using Bayesian network and Bayesian analytic approaches to find supporting references on radioactive Cs-137 exposure in groundwater, aquifers, and seawater. The focus was on electronic waste and slag-concrete; nuclear hazard disaster scenarios were excluded.
The results yielded 16 supporting references on Cs-137 in electronic waste, 13 references on Cs-137 hidden in slag-concrete, and 7 references on recycling Cs-137 from fly ash as alkali-activated materials (AAMs), plus one figure showing a mat display made from waste cable at an exhibition. Radioactive Cs-137 in groundwater, hidden Cs-137 in concrete, Cs-137 in electronic devices, gamma-ray generators, waste furnace byproducts from steel production for SSB factories, perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and AAMs are discussed. The conclusion emphasizes that radioactive Cs-137 exposure in groundwater should be widely known, and monitoring should be conducted by people everywhere.
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Introduction
The problem of waste furnace byproducts from steel production becoming new mechanical materials, associated with Cs-137, has been reported [1]. Ceramic concrete, formerly used as cement, is now being recorded [2], and alkali-activated fly ashes (AAFA) cement is being developed for the future [3]. The aim is to necessitate effective strategies for safe global management with proper recycling standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Cesium-137 has been used in perovskites [4], perovskite solar cells (PSCs) [5,6,7], immobilization of Cs-137 in concealed hazardous radioactive pollutants [8], and prioritizing low-cost alternatives and local waste materials [9]. Positioning these materials as essential for sustainable construction and climate change mitigation should also be recognized [9]. AAM is made from fly ash, water, and cellulose with a highly alkaline solution. Alkali-activated fly ash-slag concrete has fresh mechanical durability properties and provides innovative infrastructure solutions at low economic cost without commercial activators [10]. The market challenges must be paralleled with recycling processes for scrap slag-concrete, which should follow strictly high-level SOPs to prevent Cs-137 exposure in groundwater. The market challenge requires control and harnessing of resources, working closely with relevant stakeholders to achieve sustainability goals.
Conclusion
The mishap of Cs-137 contamination can be turned into a benefit for all people globally through proper management, and promotion to everybody on guarding of safe recycling practices, and awareness of Cs-137 in alkali-activated materials (concrete geopolymers and waste electronics).
References
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