What does the term 'decontamination factor' refer to in nuclear waste processing?

The term 'decontamination factor' specifically refers to the measure of effectiveness in removing radioactive isotopes from nuclear waste or contaminated materials. It quantifies how well a particular decontamination process reduces the level of radioactivity, providing a comparative figure that indicates the extent to which contaminants have been removed.

A high decontamination factor means that a significant portion of the radioactive materials has been eliminated, making the remaining waste safer for storage, disposal, or potential reuse. This factor is crucial in ensuring that the treatment processes for nuclear waste are effective and comply with safety regulations.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the concept of a decontamination factor. A refers to the volume aspects of waste management rather than the effectiveness of removing isotopes. C discusses the radioactivity level in treated waste, which is a result of the decontamination process rather than a measure of its effectiveness. D pertains to the balance of active versus non-active ions, which is a different aspect of chemical processing and does not reflect the decontamination of radioactive materials.