Unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry: Applications, challenges, and future horizons in a dynamic landscape

Nuclear isotopes, distinct atoms characterized by varying neutron counts, have profoundly influenced a myriad of sectors, spanning from medical diagnostics and therapeutic interventions to energy production and defense strategies. Their multifaceted applications have been celebrated for catalyzing r...

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Main Authors: Hang Yang, Qi Feng, Weixiang Xu, Yadong Tang, Guoliang Bai, Yunli Liu, Zisen Liu, Shibin Xia, Zhenbin Wu, Yi Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-06-01
Series:Eco-Environment & Health
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985024000024
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author Hang Yang
Qi Feng
Weixiang Xu
Yadong Tang
Guoliang Bai
Yunli Liu
Zisen Liu
Shibin Xia
Zhenbin Wu
Yi Zhang
author_facet Hang Yang
Qi Feng
Weixiang Xu
Yadong Tang
Guoliang Bai
Yunli Liu
Zisen Liu
Shibin Xia
Zhenbin Wu
Yi Zhang
author_sort Hang Yang
collection DOAJ
description Nuclear isotopes, distinct atoms characterized by varying neutron counts, have profoundly influenced a myriad of sectors, spanning from medical diagnostics and therapeutic interventions to energy production and defense strategies. Their multifaceted applications have been celebrated for catalyzing revolutionary breakthroughs, yet these advancements simultaneously introduce intricate challenges that warrant thorough investigation. These challenges encompass safety protocols, potential environmental detriments, and the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding nuclear proliferation and disarmament. This comprehensive review embarks on a deep exploration of nuclear isotopes, elucidating their nuanced classifications, wide-ranging applications, intricate governing policies, and the multifaceted impacts of their unintended emissions or leaks. Furthermore, the study meticulously examines the cutting-edge remediation techniques currently employed to counteract nuclear contamination while projecting future innovations in this domain. By weaving together historical context, current applications, and forward-looking perspectives, this review offers a panoramic view of the nuclear isotope landscape. In conclusion, the significance of nuclear isotopes cannot be understated. As we stand at the crossroads of technological advancement and ethical responsibility, this review underscores the paramount importance of harnessing nuclear isotopes' potential in a manner that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and the greater good of humanity.
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spelling doaj.art-dde0f44f6858467a8b3d7ee52aeb4cf42024-04-17T04:50:27ZengElsevierEco-Environment & Health2772-98502024-06-0132208226Unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry: Applications, challenges, and future horizons in a dynamic landscapeHang Yang0Qi Feng1Weixiang Xu2Yadong Tang3Guoliang Bai4Yunli Liu5Zisen Liu6Shibin Xia7Zhenbin Wu8Yi Zhang9State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, ChinaSchool of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China; Corresponding authors.State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Corresponding authors.Nuclear isotopes, distinct atoms characterized by varying neutron counts, have profoundly influenced a myriad of sectors, spanning from medical diagnostics and therapeutic interventions to energy production and defense strategies. Their multifaceted applications have been celebrated for catalyzing revolutionary breakthroughs, yet these advancements simultaneously introduce intricate challenges that warrant thorough investigation. These challenges encompass safety protocols, potential environmental detriments, and the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding nuclear proliferation and disarmament. This comprehensive review embarks on a deep exploration of nuclear isotopes, elucidating their nuanced classifications, wide-ranging applications, intricate governing policies, and the multifaceted impacts of their unintended emissions or leaks. Furthermore, the study meticulously examines the cutting-edge remediation techniques currently employed to counteract nuclear contamination while projecting future innovations in this domain. By weaving together historical context, current applications, and forward-looking perspectives, this review offers a panoramic view of the nuclear isotope landscape. In conclusion, the significance of nuclear isotopes cannot be understated. As we stand at the crossroads of technological advancement and ethical responsibility, this review underscores the paramount importance of harnessing nuclear isotopes' potential in a manner that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and the greater good of humanity.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985024000024Nuclear isotopesMedical diagnosticsEnergy productionEnvironmental impactRemediation techniques
spellingShingle Hang Yang
Qi Feng
Weixiang Xu
Yadong Tang
Guoliang Bai
Yunli Liu
Zisen Liu
Shibin Xia
Zhenbin Wu
Yi Zhang
Unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry: Applications, challenges, and future horizons in a dynamic landscape
Eco-Environment & Health
Nuclear isotopes
Medical diagnostics
Energy production
Environmental impact
Remediation techniques
title Unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry: Applications, challenges, and future horizons in a dynamic landscape
title_full Unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry: Applications, challenges, and future horizons in a dynamic landscape
title_fullStr Unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry: Applications, challenges, and future horizons in a dynamic landscape
title_full_unstemmed Unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry: Applications, challenges, and future horizons in a dynamic landscape
title_short Unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry: Applications, challenges, and future horizons in a dynamic landscape
title_sort unraveling the nuclear isotope tapestry applications challenges and future horizons in a dynamic landscape
topic Nuclear isotopes
Medical diagnostics
Energy production
Environmental impact
Remediation techniques
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985024000024
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