Abstract
<jats:p>The review analyzes modern achievements in the field of biological processing of low- and intermediate-level liquid radioactive waste with an emphasis on the processes of biosorption of radionuclides by microorganisms, their syntrophic associations, as well as materials based on plant biomass. The aim of this work is to systematize data on the mechanisms of interaction of biological sorbents with fuel cycle radionuclides (U, Cs, Sr, Am, Pu, etc.), evaluation of their efficiency, and identification of promising directions for the development of treatment technologies. The results of studies over the past ten years are reviewed, including the use of living and heat-inactivated cultures of bacteria, microalgae, yeasts and filamentous fungi, artificial microbial consortia, as well as plant-derived wastes (straw, husks, wood residues) and products of their processing. A key role in the binding of actinides is played by phosphate groups of the cell wall and oxygen-containing functional groups of plant materials. Microbial associations and combined sorbents outperform monocultures in the efficiency of radionuclide removal due to the synergy of binding mechanisms. Factors influencing sorption capacity (pH, ionic strength, competing ions), conditions for biosorbent regeneration and subsequent immobilization of saturated biomass are analyzed. Biogeochemical processes in radioactive waste repositories are considered, where microbial activity can both contribute to the fixation of radionuclides (formation of biogenic mineral phases) and increase their mobility. The conclusion is made about the prospects of hybrid technological schemes combining biosorption with membrane methods and incorporation of spent biomass into geopolymer matrices, which ensures environmental safety and economic efficiency of liquid radioactive waste processing.</jats:p>