Brazil deploys mobile electron beam accelerator to treat industrial wastewater

Electron beam systems are compact particle accelerators that generate ionizing radiation to alter the physical, chemical, or biological properties of materials.

Brazil has launched a state-of-the-art mobile electron beam (e-beam) accelerator unit, now fully operational and ready to provide on-site wastewater treatment services across the country. Housed inside a specially designed truck, the mobile accelerator marks a major innovation in environmental technology—enabling industries to remove toxic chemicals from wastewater and safely reuse water resources.

The initiative was developed by the Nuclear and Energy Research Institute (IPEN) under Brazil's National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), with technical support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and contributions from the Republic of Korea.

Brazil's Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Luciana Santos praised the breakthrough:"This excellent initiative of the IAEA and CNEN is already available to chemical and petrochemical industries, demonstrating how irradiation technology can preserve the environment. We offer our full support and enthusiasm."

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What Electron Beams Are Used For

Electron beam systems are compact particle accelerators that generate ionizing radiation to alter the physical, chemical, or biological properties of materials. They are widely used for:

• Sterilizing medical devices

• Ensuring food safety

• Preserving cultural artefacts

• Hardening materials for automotive and aerospace sectors

• Treating wastewater and sludge

• Mitigating greenhouse gases

E-beams are valued for their precision, efficiency, and ability to degrade harmful pollutants quickly without adding chemicals.

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A First-of-Its-Kind Mobile Wastewater Treatment Unit

The new mobile unit enables Brazil to take the technology directly to industrial sites, improving how companies treat effluents from chemical, textile, oil, petroleum, and sanitation sectors. Only a handful of such transportable e-beam systems exist globally.

Equipped with a 700 keV, 28.5 mA, 20 kW industrial accelerator, the unit can treat up to 1,000 cubic metres of wastewater per day.

Wastewater flows through the unit and is irradiated, breaking down persistent organic pollutants—making subsequent conventional treatments more effective and allowing the water to be reused.

IPEN's Director of Research and Development Wilson Calvo explained:"We developed the mobile unit to degrade organic compounds in wastewater. The main goal is water reuse, whether from clothing production or industrial applications."

The unit has already been piloted with major users such as Petrobras, the São Paulo Sanitation Company, and national technical training programmes.

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A Decade of Collaboration Toward Cleaner Water

The mobile accelerator represents more than ten years of collaboration between Brazil and the IAEA. Earlier projects supported:

• Laboratory studies on removing toxic dyes from textile wastewater

• Installation of advanced analytical equipment, such as UV-visible spectrophotometers and GC-MS systems

• Capacity building for Brazilian scientists and technicians

The project showcases how sustained international partnerships can deliver practical, scalable environmental solutions.

IAEA Technical Cooperation Section Head Raul Ramirez said:"By combining national expertise with IAEA support, we are delivering a practical solution that reduces pollution and protects vital water resources. This impactful experience will be shared across Latin America and globally."

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Part of a Global Push for Advanced Radiation Technologies

The initiative aligns with the IAEA's work to expand access to electron beam technologies for industry, environmental protection, and climate mitigation. In 2025, the IAEA launched its own transportable e-beam system at its labs in Seibersdorf, Austria, intended to help countries develop skills and carry out experiments.

By making e-beam systems mobile, countries can:

• Test feasibility before investing in permanent facilities

• Provide hands-on training

• Demonstrate cost-effective environmental solutions

• Lower barriers to adopting advanced radiation technologies

Brazil's mobile accelerator is expected to become a regional model, helping industries cut pollution, reuse resources, and adopt cleaner technologies.