Thorium in Energy and Ecology: Prospects for Clean Fuel Sources and Protection of Water and Soil Systems from Radiation Risks
Alsar Z. Gajimuradova A. Mansurov Z. Gubaidullin N. Hassanein A. Insepov Z.
December 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Energies
2025#18Issue 23
Thorium occupies a unique position in the global energy agenda, being simultaneously considered a promising nuclear fuel and an ecological risk factor. Its fuel cycle (Th-232 → U-233) offers significant advantages over uranium, including reduced waste, improved resistance to burnup, and lower proliferation risks, while molten salt reactor designs demonstrate potential to reduce electricity costs and consume transuranic elements from spent nuclear fuel. At the same time, the geochemical mobility of Th4+ ions, prone to forming soluble and colloidal species, increases the likelihood of their migration into soils and waters, with subsequent accumulation in biota and induction of radiotoxic effects. This study applied a comprehensive review of thorium’s energy potential and environmental risks, analyzing advances in reactor technology alongside mitigation methods such as coagulation, membrane separation, ion exchange, and adsorption with natural and modified sorbents. The findings emphasize that thorium’s strategic role in sustainable nuclear power is inseparable from the development of reliable safeguards to protect ecosystems. We conclude that a dual approach—integrating innovative reactor engineering with effective environmental countermeasures—will be essential for safe deployment of thorium technologies, ensuring their contribution to clean energy generation while minimizing ecological impacts.
clean energy , environmental safety , radionuclides , soil purification , sorption , thorium (Th4+) , thorium geochemistry , water purification
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Nazarbayev University Research Administration (NURA, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Institute of Combustion Problems, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
School of Nuclear Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, 47907, IL, United States
Nazarbayev University Research Administration (NURA
S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University
Institute of Combustion Problems
School of Nuclear Engineering
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