Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium

Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium

Microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation and immobilization of uranium in contaminated environments through four main pathways: bioreduction, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization. These mechanisms reduce uranium’s toxicity and prevent its migration through groundwater systems, offering sustainable approaches for in situ bioremediation.Bioreduction of UraniumBioreduction is driven by anaerobic bacteria such as certain strains of Geobacter and Shewanella, which use...

Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating

Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating

Radioactivity is a spontaneous disintegration of an unstable nuclide and is a random process, as all the nuclei in the sample do not decay simultaneously. The number of disintegrations per unit time is called the activity (A), which is directly proportional to the number of nuclei in the sample. The decay constant (λ) is an average probability of decay per nucleus in unit time.

Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power

Controlled nuclear fission reactions are used to generate electricity. Any nuclear reactor that produces power via the fission of uranium or plutonium by bombardment with neutrons has six components: nuclear fuel consisting of fissionable material, a nuclear moderator, a neutron source, control rods, reactor coolant, and a shield and containment system.
Nuclear Fuels
Nuclear fuel consists of a fissile isotope, such as uranium-235, which must be present in sufficient quantity to provide a...

Isotopes and Radioisotopes

Isotopes and Radioisotopes

In the early 1900s, English chemist Frederick Soddy realized that an element could have atoms with different masses that were chemically indistinguishable. These different types are called isotopes — atoms of the same element that differ in mass. Isotopes differ in mass because they have different numbers of neutrons but are chemically identical because they have the same number of protons. Soddy was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1921 for this discovery.
An isotope containing more...

Nuclear Transmutation

Nuclear Transmutation

Nuclear transmutation is the conversion of one nuclide into another. It can occur by the radioactive decay of a nucleus, or the reaction of a nucleus with another particle. The first manmade nucleus was produced in Ernest Rutherford’s laboratory in 1919 by a transmutation reaction, the bombardment of one type of nuclei with other nuclei or with neutrons. Rutherford bombarded nitrogen-14 atoms with high-speed α particles from a natural radioactive isotope of radium and observed protons being...

Microbial Leaching

Microbial Leaching

Microbial leaching, also known as bioleaching, is an environmentally favorable method for extracting metals from low-grade ores using specific microorganisms. This biotechnological approach is particularly valuable for mining operations targeting copper, gold, and uranium, where traditional extraction methods may be economically or environmentally impractical.Copper Leaching and Microbial CatalysisIn copper bioleaching, crushed ore is arranged into heaps and irrigated with a dilute sulfuric...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Factors Associated With Improved Technical Outcomes When Using 0.068- to 0.074-Inch Aspiration Catheters: Analysis From a Multicenter Retrospective Cohort.

Stroke (Hoboken, N.J.)·2026

Same author

CELT vascular closure device for larger NES arteriotomies: A single-center retrospective analysis.

Interventional neuroradiology : journal of peritherapeutic neuroradiology, surgical procedures and related neurosciences·2025

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Automated 90Sr Separation and Preconcentration in a Lab-on-Valve System at Ppq Level

Automated ⁹⁰Sr Separation and Preconcentration in a Lab-on-Valve System at Ppq Level

Published on: June 6, 2018

Scrap metals industry perspective on radioactive materials.

¹River Metal Recycling, LLC/The David J. Joseph Co., 2136 Chamber Center Drive, Fort Mitchell, KY, USA. rt@rmrecycling.com

|October 13, 2006

Summary

Radioactive contamination in recycled metals is a persistent problem, causing costly accidental melts and damaging consumer trust. Despite industry efforts, preventing these events remains a significant challenge.

More Related Videos

A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer

A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer

Published on: April 12, 2017

Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident

Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident

Published on: December 14, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Automated 90Sr Separation and Preconcentration in a Lab-on-Valve System at Ppq Level

Automated ⁹⁰Sr Separation and Preconcentration in a Lab-on-Valve System at Ppq Level

Published on: June 6, 2018

A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer

A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer

Published on: April 12, 2017

Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident

Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident

Published on: December 14, 2017

Area of Science:

Metallurgical Engineering
Environmental Safety
Radiation Detection

Background:

Over 80 accidental radioactive melts reported globally since 1983 highlight contamination risks in recycled scrap and steel.
Mining of steel slag and skull dumps has also led to confirmed radioactive contamination events.
Catastrophic melts result in millions of dollars in losses and decreased consumer confidence.

Purpose of the Study:

To address the ongoing issue of radioactive material contamination in the metal recycling industry.
To investigate the persistent occurrence of accidental melts despite implemented safety measures.
To underscore the metal industry's stance against the release of radioactive materials into commerce.

Main Methods:

Analysis of reported accidental melt incidents worldwide since 1983.
Review of contamination events linked to steel slag and skull dump mining.
Examination of industry responses, including radiation monitoring system installations.

Main Results:

Accidental melts continue to occur despite significant industry investments in radiation monitoring.
A 2004 incident in the Republic of China exemplifies the costly decontamination and operational shutdowns required.
The frequency and impact of these events underscore the inherent risks.

Conclusions:

The metal industry faces ongoing challenges with radioactive material contamination in recycled scrap.
Existing preventative measures have not fully eradicated the risk of accidental melts.
A continued industry-wide opposition to the release of radioactive materials is critical to mitigate contamination risks.