Abstract: A process for removing radioactive species such as technetium from surfaces of components such as those formed from aluminum, and a process of treating the resulting effluents. For example, technetium trapped under an oxide layer present on an aluminum component is removed by removing the oxide layer with sulphuric acid, and treating the exposed technetium with a complexing agent such as citrate in the presence of an oxidizing agent. An oxide scavenger may be added to prevent reformation of the oxide layer. Actinides can be removed from the effluent by use of a chelating ion exchange material, and technetium by oxidation and use of a basic ion exchange material.