Radionuclide mining provides essential resources for energy production and industrial applications; however, unregulated activities pose significant environmental and public health risks. This review examines various radionuclide mining methods based on their physical and chemical properties and evaluates existing regulatory frameworks. It highlights key environmental monitoring techniques, including gamma spectrometry, radon detector, and remote sensing, for ensuring occupational and ecological safety. The study also explores remediation and rehabilitation strategies, such as radioactive waste disposal methods, site restoration, and health monitoring programs for workers and local communities. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and other risk management tools in enhancing transparency, waste management, and community engagement. The findings underscore the necessity of integrating sustainable mining practices that balance economic benefits with environmental and human health protection. Ultimately, this review concludes that prioritizing environmental and public health safeguards is critical before the commencement of radionuclide mining activities.

This study examines the diverse impacts of ionizing radiation exposure, focusing on health, economic, and social consequences. It highlights the current regulatory framework for radiation safety, along with recent efforts aimed at strengthening it. Exposure to ionizing radiation can result in adverse public health effects, including cognitive decline, psychological stress, and substantial economic costs related to medical treatment and environmental remediation. The regulatory authorities play a central role in managing radiation safety; however, they face significant challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a pressing need for public awareness. Recent improvements in these regulations include the revision of safety protocols, partnerships with international bodies, and the implementation of advanced monitoring technologies. Notable radiation incidents include a gamma irradiator mishap, the theft of radioactive sources, cases of medical radiation overexposure, scrap metal contamination, and the improper disposal of radioactive materials. These events underscore the critical need for effective radiation management and regulation. Continued efforts to enhance radiation safety emphasize updating safety measures, international collaboration, and investment in education and research. This study provides a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with ionizing radiation, stressing the vital role of robust regulatory practices in safeguarding public health and the environment.

In this study, cobalt titanate nanoparticles (CoTiO₃ NPs) were synthesized and applied as a photocatalyst to degrade atrazine. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed irregularly shaped particles prone to agglomeration, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of a rhombohedral CoTiO₃ phase with a crystallite size of 3.76 nm. Raman spectroscopic analysis showed vibrations typical for Ti–O and Co–O bonds and confirmed a well-defined cobalt titanate structure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the nanoparticles remained stable up to 800 °C. The photocatalytic activity of CoTiO₃ NPs was tested under sunlight irradiation and the results obtained demonstrated excellent efficiency compared to the photolysis reaction. The efficiency was influenced by concentration (20–50 ppm), catalyst dosage (0.5–2.0 mg/L), pH (4.21–10.22), and irradiation time (0–120 min). The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a surface area of 32.5 m2/g (DFT) and 828.03 m⁻1 (BET), a pore volume of 0.03925 m3/g, and a bandgap energy of 2.66 eV. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the degradation followed the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, with the photocatalytic reaction being the rate-determining step. Adsorption rate constants were found to range from 0.03828 to 0.166528 min⁻1, while photocatalytic rate constants ranged from 0.373692 to 0.977135 min⁻1. The CoTiO₃ NPs also showed excellent recyclability, maintaining high degradation efficiency after five cycles. Scavenger experiments confirmed that hydroxyl radicals (HO•) are responsible for atrazine degradation while GCMS analysis confirmed the complete mineralization of atrazine with carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) as the final degradation products.

Functional and rheological characteristics are two essential criteria for the success of any modifiers for the modification of bitumen. Recently, nanoclay has grabbed extensive attention as a key solution for enhancing the performance of bitumen. This study focuses on evaluating the dispersion, storage stability, high-temperature performance, and aging resistance potential properties of bitumen VG-30 modified with montmorillonite bentonite hydrophilic nanoclay (NC). Various proportions (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% by weight of bitumen) of NC were blended with VG-30 using a high shear mixer (HSM). Various performance assessments, including kinematic viscosity by Brookfield Rotational Viscometer (BRV), multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR), high-temperature performance grade (PG), frequency sweep along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted. SEM images and viscosity data analysis show that dispersion problem arises beyond 6% of NC addition while phase separation is in the acceptable range. Further, considerable increment in Superpave rutting parameter (G*/Sinδ) and recovery percentage (%R), and decrease in non-recoverable compliance (J_nr) was seen, resulted up to 30% improvement in rutting performance of the bitumen. Furthermore, the potential for aging resistivity resulted a significant drop in aging index (AI) values, suggesting that introducing NC to bitumen could significantly improve aging resistivity. Moreover, rheological approaches can be helpful to understand temperatures and frequency dependent aging behaviours of bitumen.