That's why federal researchers developed the Citric Acid Process. Contaminated soil, ash, or sludge is soaked in citric acid the stuff that makes lemons tart. It binds to dangerous materials like lead, arsenic, uranium, and plutonium. It washes through the soil and into holding tanks where the bonds are broken. Metals are removed and recycled.
Radioactive waste becomes concentrated and easier to handle.
After cleaning, both the citric acid and newly cleaned soil can be reused. The new process has already been put to good use at several sites. The EnvironMinute is produced in cooperation with the National Safety Council and made possible by the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation.