A Japanese university professor claims to have invented a radiation-absorbing powder which is believed to be instrumental at the containing the catastrophe-hit Fukushima power plant.

The anti-radiation powder invented by Tomihisa Ohta is a mixture of minerals including zeolite, which is believed to capture radiation in water and absorb the isotopes of cesium, iodine and strontium.

The scientist said that experiments he has held with fellow colleagues from Kumaken Kougyou Co, a chemistry company, indicated that 1.5 grams dissolved in ten milligrams of water almost fully absorbs particles of caesium. The concentrate can also reportedly isolate radioactive particles of iodine and strontium from the water.

Professor Ota believes that the discovery may be put to use at Fukushima-1 “to clear 67,000 tons of highly radioactive water accumulated in the station’s bottom rooms and tunnels.” Natural zeolite minerals have a unique ability to absorb radiation and harmful substances from the environment. They are used even in food supplements for people employed in industries where there is a risk of exposure.

The devastating earthquake hit Japan on March 11 and damaged the cooling system at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. It later caused explosions at some reactors and led to the emission of radioactive particles, which then were found in the atmosphere, sea and drinking water, before it could be prevented.

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