Editing Zeolite (section)

=== Nuclear waste reprocessing ===
[[File:U.S. Department of Energy - Science - 463 015 001 (10190451506).jpg|right|thumb|A researcher at [[Sandia National Laboratories]] examines vials of SOMS (Sandia Octahedral Molecular Sieve), a zeolite that shows potential for radioactive waste and industrial metals cleanup.]]

Zeolites have been used in advanced [[nuclear reprocessing]] methods, where their micro-porous ability to capture some ions while allowing others to pass freely allows many [[fission product]]s to be efficiently removed from the waste and permanently trapped. Equally important are the mineral properties of zeolites. Their alumino-silicate construction is extremely durable and resistant to radiation, even in porous form. Additionally, once they are loaded with trapped fission products, the zeolite-waste combination can be hot-pressed into an extremely durable ceramic form, closing the pores and trapping the waste in a solid stone block. This is a waste form factor that greatly reduces its hazard, compared to conventional reprocessing systems. Zeolites are also used in the management of leaks of radioactive materials. For example, in the aftermath of the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]], sandbags of zeolite were dropped into the seawater near the power plant to adsorb the radioactive [[cesium-137]] that was present in high levels.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/world/asia/17nuke.html|title=Level of Radioactive Materials Rises Near Japan Plant|last=The Associated Press|date=16 Apr 2011|work=[[The New York Times|NYTimes]]|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>