The characteristics and research progress of uranium tailings comprehensive treatment techniques

With the development of nuclear industry and the increasing demand of nuclear fuel,more and more uranium tailings which contain large amount of radionuclide and heavy metals are left after the exploitation,bring pollution in a wider area and have hidden hazards.Disposing uranium tailings effectively and safely has become a key problem to be solved urgently in nuclear industry.Based on the contrast analysis of the latest literature of uranium tailings treatment techniques around the world,It was found that the back-filling method can reduce the footprint of uranium tailings,but will make underground radon exhalation rate higher and easily contaminate groundwater;the covering method has the advantages of good effect,wide applicability and facility in conjunction with other methods except for a higher cost;the bio-chemical method remediation can better remove object elements;the comprehensive treatment method is a immature technology with broad application prospects.On this basis,some key problems in dealing with uranium tailings are summarized and corresponding suggestions are put forward,which can provide helpful reference for future uranium tailings pollution treatment and new treatment technologies development.