Finding solutions for iodine from nuclear waste

2003/10/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena

Scientists have managed to transform the iodine isotope 129, abundant in nuclear waste, into an iodine isotope 128. These two isotopes are radioactive, but having the latter a much shorter half-life, it is easier to break down, making it less harmful.

A laser has been used for this transformation. This laser, by emitting gamma rays and colliding with a sample of iodine 129, releases a neutron, resulting in the isotope ydo-128.

The origin of iodo-129 is nuclear reactors. In fact, it is “born” by fission reactions between the uranium atoms that occur in these reactors.

These isotopes cause thyroid problems in humans, including thyroid cancer, which build up in the body.