Skip to main content
Elsevier

Advanced Techniques in Thorium Extraction

Challenges, Management, and Sustainable Innovations in Separation and Waste Handling

  • 1st Edition - April 1, 2027
  • Latest edition
  • Editors: Naseem Akhtar, Aznan Fazli Ismail, Zubair Ahmed
  • Language: English

Advanced Techniques in Thorium Extraction: Challenges, Management, and Sustainable Innovations in Separation and Waste Handling examines the technologies and strategies requir… Read more

End of Summer Sale

Save up to 30% off

Bright savings for research, study, and discovery

Shop the summer sale

Description

Advanced Techniques in Thorium Extraction: Challenges, Management, and Sustainable Innovations in Separation and Waste Handling examines the technologies and strategies required for efficient, environmentally responsible thorium processing. As interest in thorium-based nuclear energy grows, the book provides a detailed overview of the extraction, separation, purification, and waste management approaches that support sustainable resource utilization.

Covering the full process chain from mineral beneficiation and leaching to advanced purification methods, the text explores key technologies including solvent extraction, membrane filtration, ion exchange, and novel adsorbent materials. It highlights recent innovations that improve thorium recovery while reducing environmental impacts and operational challenges.

A strong focus on sustainability integrates life cycle assessment, energy efficiency considerations, and waste management practices, enabling readers to evaluate technologies from both technical and environmental perspectives. Combining scientific advances with practical applications, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry professionals working to advance sustainable nuclear energy and responsible radioactive waste management.

Key features

  • Reviews recent advances in thorium extraction and recovery technologies
  • Covers separation and purification methods, including solvent extraction, membranes, ion exchange, and advanced adsorbents
  • Integrates sustainability principles through life cycle assessment and environmental evaluation
  • Includes practical examples demonstrating real-world applications and emerging innovations
  • Addresses radioactive waste management and environmental stewardship in thorium processing

Readership

Nuclear scientists and environmental engineers

Table of contents

Part I: Introduction of Thorium Resources in the Perspective of Radioactive Waste Management

1. Overview of Potential Thorium Resources for the Nuclear Energy Sector

2. Innovative Characteristics of Thorium and Its Oxides

3. Global Potential of Thorium Resource Demand and Development

4. Economic Evaluation of Thorium Resources from Various Ore Deposits

Part II: Synopsis of Cracking and Leaching Methods for Thorium Extraction

5. Application of Cracking Techniques for Thorium Concentration

6. Acidic and Alkaline Leaching Techniques for Thorium Extraction

7. Environmental Aspects in Cracking and Leaching Processes

Part III: Progress in Separation and Purification Methods for Thorium Resource

8. Advanced Solvent Extraction Methods

9. Sophisticated Purification Techniques for Thorium Extraction

10. Categories of Specialized Filtration Methods for Thorium Separation

11. Frontier Investigating Sustainable Thorium Extraction from Rare-Earth Residues

12. Enhancing Thorium Efficiency with a Newly Developed Electrosorption Method

Part IV: Advanced Research Techniques in Adsorption and Chemical Precipitation Processes

13. Process Growth for the Thorium Recovery by Chemical Precipitation Techniques

14. Performance of Adsorption Methods for Thorium Extraction

15. Innovative Processing of Photoelectrochemical, Electrowinning, and Thermal Treatment for Radioactive Residue

16. Thorium Recovery and Recycling by Ultrafiltration and Other Technological Studies

17. Characterization of Distinct Strategies of Advanced Adsorbents for Thorium

Part V: Environmental Initiatives and Sustainable Obligations for Future Outlooks

18. Environmental Concerns and Regulations for Thorium Resource Development

19. Energy Consumption and Production from Thorium Nuclear Sectors

20. A Holistic Framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Thorium Extraction and Processing

21. Strategies for Sustainable Management and Disposal of Radioactive By-products Waste

22. Environmental Sustainability Thorium Nuclear Energy Cycles: A Future Viewpoint and Managing Waste

Product details

  • Edition: 1
  • Latest edition
  • Published: April 1, 2027
  • Language: English

About the editors

NA

Naseem Akhtar

Dr. Naseem Akhtar is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Environmental Technology Division at the School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), holding a PhD in Environmental Management. His research sits at the intersection of water resource management, hydrogeology, and sustainability science — integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), machine learning, remote sensing, geophysical methods, and hydrogeological modelling to address complex environmental challenges. With interdisciplinary expertise spanning nuclear science, geochemistry, geophysics, and soil science, Dr. Akhtar applies aquifer characterization and analytical modelling to evaluate water quality, groundwater-surface water interactions, and contamination assessment, while using LCA frameworks to quantify the environmental footprint of infrastructure and energy systems. His work directly advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals by bridging the critical nexus between clean energy and sustainable water management. His research has been cited in high-impact journals including the Journal of Hydrology, Energy Nexus, Scientific Reports, and Cleaner Engineering and Technology. He is an active member of the Geological Society of Malaysia and the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

Affiliations and expertise
Postdoctoral Researcher, Environmental Technology Division, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia

AI

Aznan Fazli Ismail

Dr. Aznan Fazli Ismail is an Associate Professor in the Nuclear Science Program at UKM, with a PhD in Nuclear and Quantum Engineering from KAIST. A leading expert in nuclear technology, he has authored over 116 peer-reviewed publications, accruing more than 1,300 citations. His research spans uranium and thorium extraction, high-temperature thorium reactors, radioactive waste management, radiological impact assessment, environmental radioactivity, and hydrogen production via photoelectrochemical water splitting. Dr. Ismail has supervised numerous PhD and master's students, contributing to the development of future nuclear scientists. He also serves as Program Coordinator for the MSc in Radiation and Nuclear Safety and MSc in Nuclear Safety, Security, and Safeguards (3S), demonstrating his leadership in academic and research excellence. His work advances sustainable nuclear energy solutions and radioactive safety practices.
Affiliations and expertise
Associate Professor, Nuclear Science Program, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia

ZA

Zubair Ahmed

Dr. Zubair Ahmed is an inorganic chemist specializing in the design and synthesis of luminescent lanthanide metal complexes (LMCs). He earned his PhD in inorganic chemistry and has held prestigious international postdoctoral positions, including a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship in Italy and a CAPES/PNPD Fellowship in Brazil. He is a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). His expertise in the chemistry of lanthanides, a key component of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), provides a crucial perspective for this book, directly complementing the focus on thorium extraction and separation processes.
Affiliations and expertise
Senior Lecturer, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia