Removal efficiency of 137Cs from radioactively contaminated electric arc furnace dust using different solvents

An advertent meltdown of radioactive source during steel smelting generates electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) polluted with 137Cs. The removal efficiency of 137Cs from EAFD was assessed by the lixiviation method using different solvents and at various radioactivity levels. More than 90% of 137Cs was removed from EAFD by rinsing with 0.5 M HNO3 and H2SO4, while removal efficiencies of deionized water, tap water, CsCl and Ca(OH)2 ranged from 84 to 89%. Mass loss and composition of the EAFD samples were investigated and compared. Results can assist in the decision-making of different solvents for large-scale removal of 137Cs from EAFD.