What are Radionuclides?

Lowry water tech solution for radionuclides

Radionuclides (radioisotopes) are atoms that are unstable due to excess nuclear energy. They undergo a process of radioactive decay, becoming progressively more stable as energy is released as either radiation of gamma waves or as an alpha and/or beta particle. 

In groundwater, radionuclides are generally naturally occurring, from one or more of three natural decay series:

  • Uranium-238

  • Thorium-232

  • Uranium-235

Isotopes are present in rock formations and can dissolve into groundwater. Uranium, radium, and radon are the primary isotopes found in groundwater supplies – and can unfortunately make their way into public drinking water and private water systems. 

Why are Radionuclides harmful to public drinking water and business water systems?

The health concerns from prolonged consumption of short-lived radionuclides come from the fact that these contaminants are radioactive, and may cause physical damage to the tissue of humans and other living beings. Concern for ingestion of uranium is based upon metal toxicity and may lead to kidney damage.

Our research reveals the impact of air stripping on removing Radon

Lowry Water Technologies conducted and published much of the pioneering research on radionuclides, especially radon, in municipal drinking water, beginning in 1980. Removal of radon from drinking water by both granular activated carbon (GAC) and by air stripping was defined and developed by Lowry throughout the 1980s. Based on this work, the generally accepted method for removing radon from water is air stripping.

How we remove radon gas and other radionuclides from municipal drinking water and business systems

Radon is a gas and can be removed from municipal and business drinking water using air stripping. The technology we use is our own, patented DeepBubble™ air stripping system. Other radionuclides, including radium and uranium, are removed by ion exchange. The design in any specific case is based on the flow rate, contaminant, contaminant concentration, as well as requirements for disposal of radioactive material.