will dumping zeolite into the ocean will help absorb radiation in Japan

Actually it doesn't absorb radiation, it may absorb radioactive substances. The media is confusing the issue by using the words radiation and contamination as if they had the same meaning.
 
Sometimes I think we expect too much of the media. Researching and reporting accurate information just seems like so much of extra work for such little return. Especially when it doesn't produce nearly the ratings that telling everyone they may die of radiation poisoning does. :evil_lol:
 
This is what I think. Zeolite will adsorb other "minerals". If those "minerals" happen to be radioactive, then the zeolite now has radioactive minerals 'attached' to it. Since the radioactive minerals are now chemically attached to something, they are less likely to chemically attach to your body and buildup in your body. This is what I think they are talking about. Radiation can not be neutralized.

Think of it like using activated charcoal if someone has swallowed poison. The poison is absorbed by the charcoal so it can not be absorbed by the body. Now the poison contaminated charcoal is discharged from the body using normal elimination processes (vomit or feces). Either way, the poison (and charcoal) are now in your toilet and not binding with your organs to kill you. The poison is still there, it just is happier being attached to the charcoal then your liver.

The radioactive materials are still in the ocean.

Rbishop is right. The media sometimes confuses the issues when they try to simplify a complicated answer and stick it into a two paragraph article.

PLEASE - DON'T SWALLOW YOUR ZEOLITE!!!!!!
 
They also never expound on the types of radiation....x-ray, gamma, beta, alpha, neutron....some are easily stopped when external from your clothing or skin...but if the contamination or radioactive particles are ingested through inhalation or consumption, they can be much more destructive/deadly in damage to you.
 
I looked up zeolite to see if I could figure out the usage. This has been shamelessly stolen from Wikipedia:

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Nuclear industry
Zeolites have uses in advanced reprocessing methods, where their micro-porous ability to capture some ions while allowing others to pass freely allow many fission products to be efficiently removed from nuclear waste and permanently trapped. Equally important are the mineral properties of zeolites. Their alumino-silicate construction is extremely durable and resistant to radiation even in porous form. Additionally, once they are loaded with trapped fission products, the zeolite-waste combination can be hot pressed into an extremely durable ceramic form, closing the pores and trapping the waste in a solid stone block. This is a waste form factor that greatly reduces its hazard compared to conventional reprocessing systems.
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Back to my words: This would be used in processing the tons of highly contaminated water at the Japanese plants. These plants use many methods to decontaminate. But remember, decontamination is nothing more then transferring an undesirable substance from one surface to another. Our mechanical and chemical filtration systems in our tanks decontaminate the water. Filter floss, sponges and pads decontaminate fish poo and excess food by removing it from the water. It is still there, just concentrated onto a surface we can easily dispose of. Charcoal and zeolite absorbs ionic toxins to remove it from our water and holds it until we change the media. Nothing is really destroyed. Only transfered.
 
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