Abstract: A method of providing water suitable for irrigation use includes feeding pre-treated water to an electrodialysis apparatus, treating the pre-treated water in the electrodialysis apparatus by selectively removing either one or both of monovalent anionic and monovalent cationic species from the pre-treated water while retaining either one or both of multivalent anionic and multivalent cationic species to produce a treated water stream having a lower ratio of monovalent ions to multivalent ions than the pre-treated water, and directing the treated water into an irrigation water distribution system.

Abstract: A process for separating sperm cells from a chemical compound by electrophoresis comprising subjecting the sperm cells to an electric potential between a cathode and an anode such that the sperm cells are separated from the chemical compound, and related methods including methods of using said sperm cells in intrauterine insemination.

Abstract: A horizontal-vertical drain board-flocculation vacuum preloading sediment treatment method, including (1) electro-osmotic electrodes disposed on the top and bottom of each reinforcing bar of the reinforced frame; (2) after the sediment is blown to the bottommost layer of vacuum preloading tank, the support is fitted over each reinforced frame, and the clips are fastened; (3) the transverse drain board passes through the support, one end of transverse drain board is connected to a curved tube; (4) repeat Step 2 and Step 3 until the sediment is blown to the surface layer of vacuum preloading tank; (5) a vertical drain board is arranged vertically between two adjacent rows of reinforced frames; (6) the curved tube is connected to the first junction block through the second junction block, and then the geotextile and sealing film are laid, the vacuum pump and power supply are switched on at last.

Abstract: As with many human physiological systems, issues within the central nervous system can arise for individuals leading to a variety of neurological disorders including, but not limited to, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, Alzheimer' disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, demyelination, and axonal degeneration. However, culture devices presently provide researchers with limitations in their research. Embodiments of the invention aims to address these various limitations and allow studies, methods and screenings which cannot be performed with prior art culture devices. These include reducing manufacturing complexity, volumes of pharmaceuticals and cells required, allowing use in fields other than neurobiology, improved adhesion within the desired micro-channel regions of the devices, and increasing cell survival in cultures.

Abstract: An analysis device (200) analyzes a crossover frequency at which a dielectrophoretic force on dielectric particles switches from a repulsive force to an attractive force or from the attractive force to the repulsive force, comprising a flow channel (5), a pair of electrodes (22, 23), a power supply (24), an imaging unit (25) and an analyzer (26). Through the flow channel (5), a sample solution containing the dielectric particles in the dielectrophoretic liquid flows. The pair of electrodes (22, 23) are arranged in the first channel. The power supply (24) applies a frequency-modulated AC voltage to the first electrodes (22, 23). The imaging unit (25) captures an image of a movement trajectory of each of the dielectric particles flowing between the electrodes (22, 23) in the flow channel. The analyzer (26) obtains the crossover frequency of the dielectric particles based on the captured image of the movement trajectory.

Abstract: Selective scaling in water treatment systems in which desalination is performed is generally described. According to certain embodiments, the location of the formation of solid scale within a water treatment system is controlled by adjusting one or more system parameters, such as the temperature and/or flow velocity of a saline stream within the water treatment system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte membrane having excellent strength, a small dimensional change, and a low membrane resistance. The polymer electrolyte membrane includes a porous film and a polymer electrolyte. The porous film has a fibril/node area ratio of 90/10 to 75/25.

Abstract: Provided are an extracellular vesicle collecting apparatus using an electrode and a porous membrane and a method for using the same. The extracellular vesicle collecting apparatus includes i) an upper frame in which a pair of through holes is disposed so that a buffer solution flows therethrough, ii) a buffer tube which is inserted in the through holes and in which the buffer solution flows, iii) a positive electrode disposed on the upper frame, iv) a porous membrane located below the upper frame, v) a spacer which is located below the porous membrane and has a hollow space disposed therein, vi) a plurality of guide tubes through which a blood flows in the hollow space, vii) a lower frame which is coupled to the upper frame to be opposite to the upper frame and receives the porous membrane and the spacer therein, and viii) a negative electrode provided below the lower frame. Extracellular vesicles contained in the blood are collected by the porous membrane.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus includes a membrane assembly disposed between a first fluid container and a second fluid container and in fluid contact with a first aqueous solution in the first fluid container and a second aqueous solution in the second fluid container. The membrane assembly includes a semipermeable membrane having a first side to be in fluid contact with the first aqueous solution and having a second side to be in fluid contact with the second aqueous solution; an electrode assembly disposed adjacent the second side of the semipermeable membrane and to contact the second aqueous solution; and power circuitry to apply charge to the electrode assembly to provide an ion concentration at the second side of the semipermeable membrane that is at least equal to the ion concentration on the first side of the semipermeable membrane.

Abstract: A microfluidic sensing device comprises a channel and an impedance sensor within the channel. The impedance sensor comprises a local ground and an electrode within the channel. The local ground and the electrode are to form an electric field region that is elongated along the channel.

Abstract: Devices and methods integrate nanopore and microfluidic technologies for recording molecular characteristics of individual molecules such as, for example, biomolecules. Devices comprise a first substrate comprising a microchannel, a second substrate comprising a microchannel, the second substrate positioned below the first substrate, and a membrane having a thickness of about 0.3 nm to about 1 nm and comprising at least one nanopore, the membrane positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein a single nanopore of the membrane is constructed and arranged for electrical and fluid communication between the microchannel of the first substrate and the microchannel of the second substrate. To mitigate the effect of errors that occur during de novo DNA synthesis, longer DNA molecules are typically synthesized from shorter oligonucleotides by polymerase construction and amplification (PCA), or by other methods.

Abstract: A nanodevice includes a nanochannel disposed through a dielectric material. A first electrode is disposed on a first side of the nanochannel, is formed within the dielectric material and has a surface exposed within the nanochannel. A second electrode is disposed on a second side of the nanochannel, is formed within the dielectric material and has a surface exposed within the nanochannel opposite the first electrode. A power circuit is connected between the first and second electrodes to create a potential difference between the first and second electrodes such that portions of a molecule can be identified by a change in electrical properties across the first and second electrodes as the molecule passes.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a porous carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity, the method comprising subjecting a precursor composition to a curing step followed by a carbonization step, the precursor composition comprising: (i) a templating component comprised of a block copolymer, (ii) a phenolic component, (iii) a dione component in which carbonyl groups are adjacent, and (iv) an acidic component, wherein said carbonization step comprises heating the precursor composition at a carbonizing temperature for sufficient time to convert the precursor composition to a carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity comprised of mesopores and macropores. Also described are the resulting hierarchical porous carbon material, a capacitive deionization device in which the porous carbon material is incorporated, as well as methods for desalinating water by use of said capacitive deionization device.

Abstract: A composite is provided, the composite comprises a carbon support, and a layered double hydroxide (LDH) immobilized on the carbon support for selectively removing phosphorus. An electrode for electrochemical removal of phosphorus, and methods and apparatuses for electrochemical purification by utilizing the electrode are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided of treating liquid tailings using electro-kinetics by creating a variable voltage between two electrodes in the tailings. Flocculation and water release from the tailings is induced by establishing an electrical field between the two electrodes. The electrodes are connected to an electrical power source having the variable voltage to create a cathode and an anode. Compacting the flocculation solids and removing further water released from the compacting solids allows for the creation of a compacted material having a desired load bearing capacity.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for capturing a molecule via an integrated system. An alternating voltage is applied to a Paul trap device in an electrically conductive solution to generate electric fields. The Paul trap device is integrated with a nanopore device to form the integrated system. Forces from the electric fields of the Paul trap device position the molecule to a nanopore in the nanopore device. A first voltage is applied to the nanopore device to capture the molecule in the nanopore of the nanopore device.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for capturing a molecule via an integrated system. An alternating voltage is applied to a Paul trap device in an electrically conductive solution to generate electric fields. The Paul trap device is integrated with a nanopore device to form the integrated system. Forces from the electric fields of the Paul trap device position the molecule to a nanopore in the nanopore device. A first voltage is applied to the nanopore device to capture the molecule in the nanopore of the nanopore device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for electric field driven on-demand separation of liquid-liquid mixtures are provided. For example, methods for separating liquid-liquid mixtures, such as free oil and water, oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions, are provided that have separation efficiencies up to about 99.9%. The liquid-liquid mixture is contacted with a separator membrane assembly comprising a separator membrane formed of a porous oleophobic (or superoleophobic) material and an electrically conductive member. An electrical potential is applied across the porous oleophobic (or superoleophobic) material of the separator membrane to facilitate passage and separation of at least a portion of the first component through the separator membrane. Separation devices and such separator membrane assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: An aqueous fluid treatment method and system is provided which preferably uses a 3 step electro-chemical oxidation process to remove organic contaminates from water. A high surface area electro-chemical reaction cell can be employed to remove organic particles and precipitate hardness salts from the aqueous solution. Several 3-phase spark arcs generated mixed oxidants and acoustic cavitations to remove dissolved organic compounds and oxidize organic metal compounds in the next step. Finally, a dielectric discharge in aqueous foam is used to eliminate recalcitrant organic compounds such as, but not limited to, polychlorinated aromatics, disinfectants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals before release to environment or recycled.

Abstract: A molecular separation device includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet through which flows an aqueous suspension and a porous separation membrane positioned in the chamber substantially orthogonally to the flow of the aqueous suspension. An electrical charging device connects to the separation membrane to apply a periodic electric charge so as to collect components blocked by the porous separation membrane. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure may include: a membrane; at least one hole extending into the membrane configured to receive a fluid. The membrane may include a plurality of electrodes arranged to provide one or more electric fields to control a movement of the fluid within the at least one hole.

Abstract: A method and system for preconcentrating analytes at a microvalve in a microfluidic device is disclosed. The system includes a sample channel loaded with a sample solution. The sample channel includes a semi-permeable membrane microvalve. An electric potential is applied at or across the microvalve to preconcentrate the sample solution when the microvalve is closed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, provided is a single particle analyzing device including a measuring vessel, first and second chambers in the vessel defined by an insulating membrane, a pore opening in the membrane to connect the chambers, and first and second electrodes in the chambers. Electric current flows between the electrodes through the pore. Electrical characteristics are measured during migration of the target from the first chamber to the second chamber to measure the size and shape of the target. (a) t<a <d?100a or (b) s<L, s<d?100s, t<L and t<d, wherein a, L and s are the diameter, length and width of the target, d is the diameter of the pore, and t is the thickness of the membrane in the proximity to the pore.

Abstract: The carbon dioxide permeation device in accordance with the present invention includes a first gas diffusion electrode, a second gas diffusion electrode, an electrolyte membrane which is between the first gas diffusion electrode and the second gas diffusion electrode, and a DC power source. The carbon dioxide permeation device accelerates absorption of carbon dioxide into the electrolyte membrane from gas in a vicinity of the first gas diffusion electrode so as to decrease a carbon dioxide concentration of the gas in the vicinity of the first gas diffusion electrode, and accelerates emission of carbon dioxide from the electrolyte membrane to gas in a vicinity of the second gas diffusion electrode by causing an oxidation reaction of water in the electrolyte membrane so as to enrich carbon dioxide in the gas in the vicinity of the second gas diffusion electrode.

Abstract: A nanosensor for detecting molecule characteristics includes a membrane having an opening configured to permit a charged carbon nanotube to pass but to block a molecule attached to the carbon nanotube. The opening is filled with an electrolytic solution. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged carbon nanotubes through the opening. A sensor circuit is coupled to the electric field generator to sense current changes due to charged carbon nanotubes passing into the opening, and to bias the electric field generator to determine a critical voltage related to a force of separation between the carbon nanotube and the molecule.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the quality and quantity of a soluble salt recovered from the supernatant produced when concentrated solutions are mixed to precipitate an insoluble salt are disclosed. Liquid residual, or supernatant, contains salt that is reusable in the regeneration solution of ion removal devices such as ion exchange or electrodialysis metathesis (EDM). The disclosed embodiments include a method for concentration and purification of salt. NaCl is recovered in a truly Zero Discharge Desalination (i.e., ZDD) process. The ZDD process utilizes reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) for the primary desalination of groundwater that has high concentration of CaSO4 and utilizes EDM to separately remove calcium and sulfate ions from the RO or NF concentrate so that water recovery can be improved. The recovered NaCl is reused in the EDM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the electrochemical treatment of at least one component, which has a treatment chamber and at least one feed unit for an electrolyte to the treatment chamber, and at least one way for setting the pH value of the electrolyte being provided before the treatment chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for electrophoretic and electro-osmotic densification, decontamination and dewatering of suspensions includes the use of high electrical capacitance electrodes for capacitive generation of electric fields. Polarity reversals between the capacitor electrodes prevent faradic electrolysis and corrosion reactions at the electrodes, and water wettable, flexible linings for the electrodes, having drainage and filtering capabilities, can also be used as interceptor drains positioned adjacent and in full electric contact with the electrodes, as well as within the suspension as flow path dividers.

Abstract: A method for wetting a nanopore device includes filling a first cavity of the nanopore device with a first buffer solution having a first potential hydrogen (pH) value, filling a second cavity of the nanopore device with a second buffer solution having a second pH value, wherein the nanopore device includes a transistor portion having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an orifice communicative with the first surface and the second surface, the first surface partially defining the first cavity, the second surface partially defining the second cavity, applying a voltage in the nanopore device, and measuring a current in the nanopore device, the current having a current path partially defined by the first cavity, the second cavity, and the orifice.

Abstract: A device and method of making and using the same. The device includes first and second substrates that are spaced to define a fluid space. Polar and non-polar fluids occupy the fluid space. A first electrode, with a dielectric layer, is positioned on the first substrate and electrically coupled to at least one voltage source, which is configured to supply an electrical bias to the first electrode. The fluid space includes at least one fluid splitting structure that is configured to facilitate the movement of the non-polar fluid into a portion of the polar fluid. Fluid splitting structure assisted movement of the non-polar fluid splits the polar fluid.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to the flow of analytes, particles or other materials. As consistent with one or more embodiments described herein, an apparatus includes a membrane having one or more pores in a membrane. First and second electrodes facilitate electrophoretic flow of analytes through the pore, and a third electrode controls movement of the particles in the pore by modulating the shape of an electric double layer adjacent sidewalls of pore.

Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using a regeneration cycle to increase pure flow rate and efficiency of the cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to methods, devices, and systems for fluid delivery to a subject using pumps, for example, non-gassing, direct current (DC), electro-osmotic pumps. In some embodiments, delivery of an aqueous fluid may be achieved by contacting the aqueous liquid with an electro-osmotic pump comprising (i) a cathode (e.g., a cathode comprising porous carbon coated with a cerium oxide-comprising coating), (ii) an anode (e.g., an anode comprising porous carbon coated with a cerium oxide-comprising coating), and (iii) a ceramic membrane (e.g., a ceramic membrane formed by fusing uncoated silica spheres, phosphosilicic-acid-coated fused silica spheres, or borosilicic-acid-coated fused silica spheres, wherein the fused spheres are randomly packed between the cathode and the anode) and/or optionally applying (a) a constant potential difference or constant voltage between the anode and the cathode of from about 0.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a membrane separation apparatus with reduced concentration polarization and enhanced permeate flux. Also disclosed is a method for separating permeate from retentate in a fluid using the disclosed membrane separation apparatus. Also disclosed is a method for inhibiting or preventing concentration polarization of a permeable membrane used in membrane separation.

Abstract: An electrodialysis unit 8 comprises a cathode 68, an anode 70, a membrane 71 between the cathode 68 and the anode 70, a cathode flow path 72 for water flow along the membrane 71 on the cathode side, an anode flow path 74 for water flow along the membrane 71 on the anode side, and a reaction zone formed between the membrane 71 and the cathode 68 where the cathode 68 faces the anode 70, wherein the cathode flow path 72 is arranged for laminar flow in the reaction zone and wherein the electrodialysis unit 8 comprises flow conditioning elements 64 arranged to promote laminar flow in the incoming water flow to the cathode flow path 72.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus to provide de-ionization. A plurality of cylindrical-shaped conductive membranes are placed in a feed channel having a feed flow with a first flow direction. Each of the conductive membranes encloses a concentration channel having a second flow direction and an electrode positioned inside the conductive membrane. A voltage distribution network coupled to the conductive membranes provides independent voltages across the channels to cause movement of ions in the feed and concentration flows toward the electrode.

Abstract: An electrodialysis unit 8 comprises a plurality of cathodes 68, a plurality of anodes 70 and a plurality of membranes 71; wherein the cathodes 68 and anodes 70 are arranged alternately in an electrode stack, with membranes 71 in between each cathode 68 and anode 70; and wherein the cathode 68 and the anode 70 are each formed of a single conductive plate such that both surfaces of the cathode plates and anode plates enclosed within the electrode stack are, in use, in conductive contact with the water being treated.

Abstract: An electrodialysis unit comprises a plurality of cathodes, a plurality of anodes and a plurality of membranes; the cathodes and anodes being arranged alternately in an electrode stack, with membranes in between each cathode and anode, anode flow paths formed between the membranes and anodes and cathode flow paths formed between the membranes and cathodes; the electrodialysis unit further comprising: an inlet manifold for distributing water to the anode flow paths or to the cathode flow paths, wherein the inlet manifold comprises a first tube provided with holes along its length, the holes being connected to the flow paths, and a second tube located within and enclosed by the first tube, the second tube having an inlet at one end and being closed at its second end and the second tube being provided with holes along its length that open into the first tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtration chamber comprising a microfabricated filter enclosed in a housing, wherein the surface of said filter and/or the inner surface of said housing are modified by vapor deposition, sublimation, vapor-phase surface reaction, or particle sputtering to produce a uniform coating; and a method for separating cells of a fluid sample, comprising: a) dispensing a fluid sample into the filtration chamber disclosed herein; and b) providing fluid flow of the fluid sample through the filtration chamber, wherein components of the fluid sample flow through or are retained by the filter based on the size, shape, or deformability of the components.

Abstract: A method for wetting a nanopore device includes filling a first cavity of the nanopore device with a first buffer solution having a first potential hydrogen (pH) value, filling a second cavity of the nanopore device with a second buffer solution having a second pH value, applying a voltage in the nanopore device, and measuring a current in the nanopore device, the current having a current path partially defined by the first cavity, the second cavity, and an orifice communicative with the first cavity and the second cavity.

Abstract: Herein is described a process method and device used for nonporous, or porous media, that is metallic, ceramic, or of rock based compositions, such as geologic materials which may house inclusions such that under electromigration, thermophoresis, electrophoresis, magnetophoresis, electromagnetics, leads to combined advection, convection, electro-magnetic kinetics, osmosis, and diffusion. Meaning that under the influence of a solvent, cell, enclosure, contacts, and second enclosure material, yields the expulsion of trapped housed matter such as kerogen, oil, gas condensates, water-oil mixtures, hydrocarbons, terpenes, organic compounds, methane, inorganic material, solvent, or other organic material(s), or oil-gas-water type natural resource material. This is a simple environmental friendly method by which to expel housed and/or trapped media that is then released for collection, storage, and removal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the measurement of a concentration of a charged species in a sample, the sample having a plurality of types of charged species and at least one insoluble component. The method comprises: providing the sample on a surface of a partly permeable layer; allowing components of the sample to pass through the partly permeable layer into a channel; and separating the components into sections, such that each at least one of the sections substantially comprises a single type of the plurality of the types of charged species, and determining the charge concentration in the at least one of the sections.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for cleansing fuel processing effluent containing carbonaceous compounds and inorganic salts, the method comprising contacting the fuel processing effluent with an anode of a microbial fuel ell, the anode containing microbes thereon which oxidatively degrade one or more of the carbonaceous compounds while producing electrical energy from the oxidative degradation, and directing the produced electrical energy to drive an electrosorption mechanism that operates to reduce the concentration of one or more inorganic salts in the fuel processing effluent, wherein the anode is in electrical communication with a cathode of the microbial fuel cell. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for practicing the method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining Clausius-Mossotti Factors ‘CMF’ of a solution of colloidal particles, comprising the following steps: putting said solution of colloidal particles (1) in contact with at least a pair of coplanar electrodes (3a, 3b) arranged on a substrate (5); placing colloidal particles in specific locations with reference to said electrodes; applying an AC electric field with an adapted dielectrophoretic ‘DEP’ frequency between each pair of electrodes, so that the colloidal particles move away from said specific locations by DEP forces, the motion of the colloidal particles being dictated by a DEP regime; determining velocities of the moving colloidal particles during the DEP regime, said velocities being determined along the electric field gradient direction; and calculating the CMF of said colloidal particles by using said velocities.

Abstract: A system for collecting target nucleic acids from a sample can include at least one sample chamber configured to receive a sample containing target nucleic acids and other material, at least one collection chamber removably mountable relative to the at least one sample chamber and configured to collect target nucleic acids separated from the other material, a filter removably mountable relative to the at least one sample chamber and configured to be disposed between the at least one sample chamber and the at least one collection chamber when the at least one collection chamber is mounted relative to the at least one sample chamber.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization device includes; at least one flow path configured to receive influent fluid, at least one pair of electrodes, at least one charge barrier disposed between the at least one flow path and a corresponding electrode of the at least one pair of electrodes, at least one electrolyte solution disposed between at least one of the at least one pair of electrodes and a corresponding charge barrier of the at least one charge barrier, and at least one electrolyte compensation device in fluid communication with the at least one electrolyte solution, wherein the at least one electrolyte solution differs from the influent fluid.

Abstract: A molecular separation device includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet through which flows an aqueous suspension and a porous separation membrane positioned in the chamber substantially orthogonally to the flow of the aqueous suspension. An electrical charging device connects to the separation membrane to apply a periodic electric charge so as to collect components blocked by the porous separation membrane. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pH adjusting apparatus includes an electrolytic chip receiving a solution, an electrolytic chip loading station receiving the electrolytic chip, an input unit inputting electrolysis conditions, a control unit receiving the electrolysis conditions and controlling electrolysis performed in the electrolytic chip, and a display unit displaying the electrolysis conditions and a progress of the electrolysis. Thus, the pH of a solution can be adjusted easily and accurately, by precisely controlling a constant current, a constant voltage, and current and voltage application times, thereby enabling useful application in various biological assays such as cell lysis. Furthermore, the pH adjusting apparatus has small size and weight and can be operated for a long time after charging once due to low power consumption.

Abstract: A technique for embedding a nanotube in a nanopore is provided. A membrane separates a reservoir into a first reservoir part and a second reservoir part, and the nanopore is formed through the membrane for connecting the first and second reservoir parts. An ionic fluid fills the nanopore, the first reservoir part, and the second reservoir part. A first electrode is dipped in the first reservoir part, and a second electrode is dipped in the second reservoir part. Driving the nanotube into the nanopore causes an inner surface of the nanopore to form a covalent bond to an outer surface of the nanotube via an organic coating so that the inner surface of the nanotube will be the new nanopore with a super smooth surface for studying bio-molecules while they translocate through the nanotube.

Abstract: A method for treating a radioactive liquid waste containing a sodium salt, which includes: feeding a radioactive liquid waste containing at least one of sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate and sodium carbonate to an anode chamber in an electrolytic cell provided with an anode and a cathode on both sides of a permeable membrane, which is selectively permeable to sodium ions, and electrodialyzing the radioactive liquid waste; separating sodium ions permeated through the permeable membrane as sodium hydroxide from the radioactive liquid waste in a cathode chamber; separating a radioactive substance remaining in the anode chamber as a concentrated radioactive liquid waste; and recovering the separated sodium hydroxide and concentrated radioactive liquid waste, respectively.