deradiation

Deradiation is a term used in nuclear physics and engineering to describe the process of removing or significantly reducing radioactivity from a material or object. This can be achieved through various methods depending on the nature of the radioactive contamination and the desired outcome. One common method is simply waiting for radioactive decay to occur. Many radioactive isotopes have relatively short half-lives, meaning their radioactivity naturally diminishes over time. For materials with longer-lived isotopes, other techniques are employed.

Physical separation is another approach, where the radioactive component is physically removed from the non-radioactive material. This could involve processes like filtration, chemical precipitation, or encapsulation. In some cases, radioactive materials can be diluted with non-radioactive substances to reduce the overall concentration of radioactivity, though this does not eliminate the radioactivity itself. High-level radioactive waste often requires specialized management, including storage in secure facilities or reprocessing to recover useful isotopes or reduce the volume of waste. The ultimate goal of deradiation is to render a material safe for handling, disposal, or reuse by minimizing the associated health and environmental risks.