New articles published: V. 14 n. 3 (2026)
Radium Accumulation and Radiometric Assessment of Filtration Membranes in Reverse Osmosis Desalination Systems for Groundwater in Semi-Arid Regions
Abstract: Water scarcity in the Brazilian semi-arid region makes desalination via reverse osmosis a strategic solution for rural community water supply. However, the interaction of groundwater with geological formations rich in uranium and thorium minerals can favor the natural occurrence of radionuclides, especially radium, in desalination systems. During operation, filtration membranes act as efficient physical barriers, retaining these radionuclides and, upon reaching the end of their service life, generating radiologically significant waste. This study evaluated the presence of the isotopes 226Ra and 228Ra in filtering elements from desalination systems installed in the municipality of Riacho das Almas, Pernambuco, Brazil, and the potential environmental and radiological impacts associated with them. Filters collected from seven wells were calcined and analyzed by gamma spectrometry. 226Ra activities ranged from 0.33 to 7.08 Bq/g, with two wells showing values above the 1 Bq/g limit established by the National Nuclear Energy Commission, and 228Ra was not detected. The results confirm the efficiency of membranes in Ra retention but highlight the need for specific protocols to safely manage and dispose of this waste and mitigate occupational and environmental risks. Read full article.
