Forward Osmosis as a Contemporary Treatment Solution for Mitigating Radionuclide Pollution in Water Bodies

The scarcity of water and contamination of freshwater resources by radioactive pollutants originating from nuclear facilities is a critical environmental challenge. It is well known that conventional wastewater treatment methods are not always able to deal with the special properties of radionuclide-containing wastewater despite their effectiveness. As a potential solution to these pressing concerns, forward osmosis (FO) technologies have been increasingly investigated and innovated over the last few years. This review provides an overview of the potential of FO in treating radioactive effluents, a relatively challenging environmental compared to conventional wastewater treatment. Research on the occurrence and health effects of radioactive substances are first presented along with various treatment approaches, both conventional and emerging. The comprehensive analyses of FO systems, including a description of their principles, modes, and inherent challenges are provided. Radionuclide transport, operating conditions, and membrane performance under different conditions are examined in this review of FO in the treatment of radioactive wastewater. Additionally, this review also discusses membrane modifications and cleaning techniques as well as the integration of FO with other treatment methods in tackling radionuclide-containing water or wastewater. Finally, this review highlights the ongoing challenges associated with FO technology, including fouling mitigation and membrane stability, while also emphasizing its immense potential for the treatment of radioactive wastewater in the future. Through interdisciplinary collaborations and leveraging advancements in materials science and membrane design, FO plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of radioactive pollution on the environment.