China tests electron beam method for water decontamination

China began treating contaminated water using electron beam technology at a demonstration area in Chengdu, Sichuan province, the first instance of the country using this technology for the purpose.

Compared with traditional methods of treating contaminated water, electron beam technology is safer and cleaner as well as more effective at removing organic molecules, said CGN Nuclear Technology Development Co, a subsidiary of China's state-owned nuclear power giant China General Nuclear Power Corp.

As a project jointly conducted with Tsinghua University, the technology accelerates electrons to interact with molecules in the water to kill microorganisms and destroy viruses. It also breaks down antibiotics in the water, which is something traditional sterilization methods cannot do.

Tsinghua also noted it has worked with CGNNT on E-beam irradiation technology. As of Feb 14, 2021, the team has processed 105 batches of medical materials with radiation sterilization.

According to a statement issued by the university, the radiation can kill viruses or pathogenic microorganisms and degrade toxic pollutants in wastewater by using gamma rays, or high-energy electron beams generated by electron accelerators.