Geological Disposal of Radioactive Wastes and Natural Analogues

Geological Disposal of Radioactive Wastes and Natural Analogues

Author: W. Miller

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2000-11-09

Total Pages: 329

ISBN-13: 0080532454

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Many countries are currently exploring the option to dispose of highly radioactive solid wastes deep underground in purpose built, engineered repositories. A number of surface and shallow repositories for less radioactive wastes are already in operation. One of the challenges facing the nuclear industry is to demonstrate confidently that a repository will contain wastes for so long that any releases that might take place in the future will pose no significant health or environmental risk. One method for building confidence in the long-term future safety of a repository is to look at the physical and chemical processes which operate in natural and archaeological systems, and to draw appropriate parallels with the repository. For example, to understand why some uranium orebodies have remained isolated underground for billions of years. Such studies are called 'natural analogues'. This book investigates the concept of geological disposal and examines the wide range of natural analogues which have been studied. Lessons learnt from studies of archaeological and natural systems can be used to improve our capabilities for assessing the future safety of a radioactive waste repository.


Book Synopsis Geological Disposal of Radioactive Wastes and Natural Analogues by : W. Miller

Download or read book Geological Disposal of Radioactive Wastes and Natural Analogues written by W. Miller and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2000-11-09 with total page 329 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many countries are currently exploring the option to dispose of highly radioactive solid wastes deep underground in purpose built, engineered repositories. A number of surface and shallow repositories for less radioactive wastes are already in operation. One of the challenges facing the nuclear industry is to demonstrate confidently that a repository will contain wastes for so long that any releases that might take place in the future will pose no significant health or environmental risk. One method for building confidence in the long-term future safety of a repository is to look at the physical and chemical processes which operate in natural and archaeological systems, and to draw appropriate parallels with the repository. For example, to understand why some uranium orebodies have remained isolated underground for billions of years. Such studies are called 'natural analogues'. This book investigates the concept of geological disposal and examines the wide range of natural analogues which have been studied. Lessons learnt from studies of archaeological and natural systems can be used to improve our capabilities for assessing the future safety of a radioactive waste repository.

Nuclear Wastes

Nuclear Wastes

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1996-02-23

Total Pages: 590

ISBN-13: 0309052262

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Disposal of radioactive waste from nuclear weapons production and power generation has caused public outcry and political consternation. Nuclear Wastes presents a critical review of some waste management and disposal alternatives to the current national policy of direct disposal of light water reactor spent fuel. The book offers clearcut conclusions for what the nation should do today and what solutions should be explored for tomorrow. The committee examines the currently used "once-through" fuel cycle versus different alternatives of separations and transmutation technology systems, by which hazardous radionuclides are converted to nuclides that are either stable or radioactive with short half-lives. The volume provides detailed findings and conclusions about the status and feasibility of plutonium extraction and more advanced separations technologies, as well as three principal transmutation concepts for commercial reactor spent fuel. The book discusses nuclear proliferation; the U.S. nuclear regulatory structure; issues of health, safety and transportation; the proposed sale of electrical energy as a means of paying for the transmutation system; and other key issues.


Book Synopsis Nuclear Wastes by : National Research Council

Download or read book Nuclear Wastes written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1996-02-23 with total page 590 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Disposal of radioactive waste from nuclear weapons production and power generation has caused public outcry and political consternation. Nuclear Wastes presents a critical review of some waste management and disposal alternatives to the current national policy of direct disposal of light water reactor spent fuel. The book offers clearcut conclusions for what the nation should do today and what solutions should be explored for tomorrow. The committee examines the currently used "once-through" fuel cycle versus different alternatives of separations and transmutation technology systems, by which hazardous radionuclides are converted to nuclides that are either stable or radioactive with short half-lives. The volume provides detailed findings and conclusions about the status and feasibility of plutonium extraction and more advanced separations technologies, as well as three principal transmutation concepts for commercial reactor spent fuel. The book discusses nuclear proliferation; the U.S. nuclear regulatory structure; issues of health, safety and transportation; the proposed sale of electrical energy as a means of paying for the transmutation system; and other key issues.

Radioactive Waste Management

Radioactive Waste Management

Author: James Saling

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-04-27

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 1351419986

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This reviews sources of radioactive waste and introduces radioactive decay and radiation shielding calculations. It covers technical and regulatory aspects of waste management with discussion questions at the end of each chapter to provide an opportunity to explore the many facets of waste management issues. An extensive reference list at the end of each chapter retains the references from the first edition of the book and incorporates references used in preparing this revised text, giving readers an opportunity to look at historical records as well as current information.


Book Synopsis Radioactive Waste Management by : James Saling

Download or read book Radioactive Waste Management written by James Saling and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-04-27 with total page 376 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This reviews sources of radioactive waste and introduces radioactive decay and radiation shielding calculations. It covers technical and regulatory aspects of waste management with discussion questions at the end of each chapter to provide an opportunity to explore the many facets of waste management issues. An extensive reference list at the end of each chapter retains the references from the first edition of the book and incorporates references used in preparing this revised text, giving readers an opportunity to look at historical records as well as current information.

Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Author: W. R. Alexander

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2011-07-29

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 9780080468884

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Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste presents a critical review of designing, siting, constructing and demonstrating the safety and environmental impact of deep repositories for radioactive wastes. It is structured to provide a broad perspective of this multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary topic: providing enough detail for a non-specialist to understand the fundamental principles involved and with extensive references to sources of more detailed information. Emphasis is very much on “deep geological disposal – at least some tens of metres below land surface and, in many cases, many hundred of metres deep. Additionally, only radioactive wastes are considered directly – even though such wastes often contain also significant chemotoxic or otherwise hazardous components. Many of the principles involved are generally applicable to other repository options (e.g. near-surface or on-surface disposal) and, indeed, to other types of hazardous waste. Presents a current critical review in designing, siting, constructing and demonsrating the safety and environmental impact of deep repositories for radwaste Addresses the fundamental principles of radioactive waste with up-to-date examples and real-world case studies Written for a multi-disciplinary audience, with an appropriate level of detail to allow a non-specialist to understand


Book Synopsis Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste by : W. R. Alexander

Download or read book Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste written by W. R. Alexander and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2011-07-29 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste presents a critical review of designing, siting, constructing and demonstrating the safety and environmental impact of deep repositories for radioactive wastes. It is structured to provide a broad perspective of this multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary topic: providing enough detail for a non-specialist to understand the fundamental principles involved and with extensive references to sources of more detailed information. Emphasis is very much on “deep geological disposal – at least some tens of metres below land surface and, in many cases, many hundred of metres deep. Additionally, only radioactive wastes are considered directly – even though such wastes often contain also significant chemotoxic or otherwise hazardous components. Many of the principles involved are generally applicable to other repository options (e.g. near-surface or on-surface disposal) and, indeed, to other types of hazardous waste. Presents a current critical review in designing, siting, constructing and demonsrating the safety and environmental impact of deep repositories for radwaste Addresses the fundamental principles of radioactive waste with up-to-date examples and real-world case studies Written for a multi-disciplinary audience, with an appropriate level of detail to allow a non-specialist to understand

Radioactive Waste Disposal and Geology

Radioactive Waste Disposal and Geology

Author: Konrad Krauskopf

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-03-07

Total Pages: 157

ISBN-13: 9400912013

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The perception of radioactive waste as a major problem for the industrial world has developed only recently. Four decades ago the disposal of such waste was regarded as a relatively minor matter. Those were the heady days when nuclear fission seemed the answer to the world's energy needs: the two wartime bombs had demonstrated its awesome power, and now it was to be harnessed for the production of electricity, the excavation of canals, even the running of cars and airplanes. In all applications of fission some waste containing radioactive elements would be generated of course, but it seemed only a trivial annoyance, a problem whose solution could be deferred until the more exciting challenges of constructing reactors and devising more efficient weapons had been mastered. So waste accumulated, some in tanks and some buried in shallow trenches. These were recognized as only temporary, makeshift measures, because it was known that the debris would be hazardous to its surroundings for many thousands of years and hence that more permanent disposal would someday be needed. The difficulty of accomplishing this more lasting disposal only gradually became apparent. The difficulty has been compounded by uncertainty about the physiological effects oflow-Ievel radiation, by the inadequacy of detailed knowledge about the behavior of engineered and geologic materials over long periods under unusual conditions, and by the sensitization of popular fears about radiation in all its forms following widely publicized reactor accidents and leaks from waste storage sites.


Book Synopsis Radioactive Waste Disposal and Geology by : Konrad Krauskopf

Download or read book Radioactive Waste Disposal and Geology written by Konrad Krauskopf and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-03-07 with total page 157 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The perception of radioactive waste as a major problem for the industrial world has developed only recently. Four decades ago the disposal of such waste was regarded as a relatively minor matter. Those were the heady days when nuclear fission seemed the answer to the world's energy needs: the two wartime bombs had demonstrated its awesome power, and now it was to be harnessed for the production of electricity, the excavation of canals, even the running of cars and airplanes. In all applications of fission some waste containing radioactive elements would be generated of course, but it seemed only a trivial annoyance, a problem whose solution could be deferred until the more exciting challenges of constructing reactors and devising more efficient weapons had been mastered. So waste accumulated, some in tanks and some buried in shallow trenches. These were recognized as only temporary, makeshift measures, because it was known that the debris would be hazardous to its surroundings for many thousands of years and hence that more permanent disposal would someday be needed. The difficulty of accomplishing this more lasting disposal only gradually became apparent. The difficulty has been compounded by uncertainty about the physiological effects oflow-Ievel radiation, by the inadequacy of detailed knowledge about the behavior of engineered and geologic materials over long periods under unusual conditions, and by the sensitization of popular fears about radiation in all its forms following widely publicized reactor accidents and leaks from waste storage sites.

German Radioactive Waste

German Radioactive Waste

Author: Robert Rybski

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2022-01-18

Total Pages: 118

ISBN-13: 100056763X

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This book presents the universal issue of radioactive waste management from the perspective of the German legal system, analysing how lawmakers have responded to the problem of nuclear waste over the course of the last seventy years. In this book, Robert Rybski unwraps and explains the perplexing legal and social issues related to radioactive waste. He takes readers through the entire ‘life-cycle’: from the moment that radioactive material is classified as radioactive waste, through to the period of interim storage, and right up to its final disposal. However, this last step in radioactive waste management (that of final disposal) has not yet been achieved in Germany, or anywhere in the world, and has been the subject of hefty public debate for dozens of years. As a result, the book analyses the most recent regulations in place to enable final disposal. This book will be of interest to energy policy experts, academics and professionals who work in the area of nuclear energy.


Book Synopsis German Radioactive Waste by : Robert Rybski

Download or read book German Radioactive Waste written by Robert Rybski and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2022-01-18 with total page 118 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents the universal issue of radioactive waste management from the perspective of the German legal system, analysing how lawmakers have responded to the problem of nuclear waste over the course of the last seventy years. In this book, Robert Rybski unwraps and explains the perplexing legal and social issues related to radioactive waste. He takes readers through the entire ‘life-cycle’: from the moment that radioactive material is classified as radioactive waste, through to the period of interim storage, and right up to its final disposal. However, this last step in radioactive waste management (that of final disposal) has not yet been achieved in Germany, or anywhere in the world, and has been the subject of hefty public debate for dozens of years. As a result, the book analyses the most recent regulations in place to enable final disposal. This book will be of interest to energy policy experts, academics and professionals who work in the area of nuclear energy.

Geochemical Aspects of Radioactive Waste Disposal

Geochemical Aspects of Radioactive Waste Disposal

Author: D. G. Brookins

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13: 1461382548

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There is an extremely voluminous literature on radioactive waste and its disposal, much in the form of government-sponsored research reports. To wade through this mountain of literature is indeed a tedious task, and it is safe to speculate that very few, if any, individuals have the time to examine each report that has been issued during the preceding ten years. This book attempts to summarize much of this literature. Further, many workers in the geosciences have not received training in the nuclear sciences, and many nuclear scientists could be better versed in geology. In this book an attempt is made to cover some background material on radioactive wastes and geotoxicity that may not be an integral part of a geologist's training, and background material on geology and geochemistry for the nuclear scientist. The geochemical material is designed for both the geoscientist and the nuclear scientist. There is no specific level for this book. Certainly, it should be useful to advanced undergraduates and graduates studying geology and nuclear science. It does not pretend to cover a tremendous amount of detail in all subjects, yet the references cited provide the necessary source materials for follow-up study. It is my intention that the reader of this book will have a better, broader understanding of the geochemical aspects of radioactive waste disposal than is otherwise available in anyone source.


Book Synopsis Geochemical Aspects of Radioactive Waste Disposal by : D. G. Brookins

Download or read book Geochemical Aspects of Radioactive Waste Disposal written by D. G. Brookins and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 349 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is an extremely voluminous literature on radioactive waste and its disposal, much in the form of government-sponsored research reports. To wade through this mountain of literature is indeed a tedious task, and it is safe to speculate that very few, if any, individuals have the time to examine each report that has been issued during the preceding ten years. This book attempts to summarize much of this literature. Further, many workers in the geosciences have not received training in the nuclear sciences, and many nuclear scientists could be better versed in geology. In this book an attempt is made to cover some background material on radioactive wastes and geotoxicity that may not be an integral part of a geologist's training, and background material on geology and geochemistry for the nuclear scientist. The geochemical material is designed for both the geoscientist and the nuclear scientist. There is no specific level for this book. Certainly, it should be useful to advanced undergraduates and graduates studying geology and nuclear science. It does not pretend to cover a tremendous amount of detail in all subjects, yet the references cited provide the necessary source materials for follow-up study. It is my intention that the reader of this book will have a better, broader understanding of the geochemical aspects of radioactive waste disposal than is otherwise available in anyone source.

Improving the Regulation and Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes

Improving the Regulation and Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2006-04-24

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 0309164699

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The largest volumes of radioactive wastes in the United States contain only small amounts of radioactive material. These low-activity wastes (LAW) come from hospitals, utilities, research institutions, and defense installations where nuclear material is used. Millions of cubic feet of LAW also arise every year from non-nuclear enterprises such as mining and water treatment. While LAW present much less of a radiation hazard than spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive wastes, they can cause health risks if controlled improperly. Improving the Regulation and Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes asserts that LAW should be regulated and managed according to the degree of risk they pose for treatment, storage, and disposal. Current regulations are based primarily on the type of industry that produced the waste-the waste's origin-rather than its risk. In this report, a risk-informed approach for regulating and managing all types of LAW in the United States is proposed. Implemented in a gradual or stepwise fashion, this approach combines scientific risk assessment with public values and perceptions. It focuses on the hazardous properties of the waste in question and how they compare with other waste materials. The approach is based on established principles for risk-informed decision making, current risk-informed initiatives by waste regulators in the United States and abroad, solutions available under current regulatory authorities, and remedies through new legislation when necessary.


Book Synopsis Improving the Regulation and Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes by : National Research Council

Download or read book Improving the Regulation and Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2006-04-24 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The largest volumes of radioactive wastes in the United States contain only small amounts of radioactive material. These low-activity wastes (LAW) come from hospitals, utilities, research institutions, and defense installations where nuclear material is used. Millions of cubic feet of LAW also arise every year from non-nuclear enterprises such as mining and water treatment. While LAW present much less of a radiation hazard than spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive wastes, they can cause health risks if controlled improperly. Improving the Regulation and Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes asserts that LAW should be regulated and managed according to the degree of risk they pose for treatment, storage, and disposal. Current regulations are based primarily on the type of industry that produced the waste-the waste's origin-rather than its risk. In this report, a risk-informed approach for regulating and managing all types of LAW in the United States is proposed. Implemented in a gradual or stepwise fashion, this approach combines scientific risk assessment with public values and perceptions. It focuses on the hazardous properties of the waste in question and how they compare with other waste materials. The approach is based on established principles for risk-informed decision making, current risk-informed initiatives by waste regulators in the United States and abroad, solutions available under current regulatory authorities, and remedies through new legislation when necessary.

Disposition of High-Level Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel

Disposition of High-Level Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2001-07-05

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 0309073170

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Focused attention by world leaders is needed to address the substantial challenges posed by disposal of spent nuclear fuel from reactors and high-level radioactive waste from processing such fuel. The biggest challenges in achieving safe and secure storage and permanent waste disposal are societal, although technical challenges remain. Disposition of radioactive wastes in a deep geological repository is a sound approach as long as it progresses through a stepwise decision-making process that takes advantage of technical advances, public participation, and international cooperation. Written for concerned citizens as well as policymakers, this book was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and waste management organizations in eight other countries.


Book Synopsis Disposition of High-Level Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel by : National Research Council

Download or read book Disposition of High-Level Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2001-07-05 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Focused attention by world leaders is needed to address the substantial challenges posed by disposal of spent nuclear fuel from reactors and high-level radioactive waste from processing such fuel. The biggest challenges in achieving safe and secure storage and permanent waste disposal are societal, although technical challenges remain. Disposition of radioactive wastes in a deep geological repository is a sound approach as long as it progresses through a stepwise decision-making process that takes advantage of technical advances, public participation, and international cooperation. Written for concerned citizens as well as policymakers, this book was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and waste management organizations in eight other countries.

Geological Storage of Highly Radioactive Waste

Geological Storage of Highly Radioactive Waste

Author: Roland Pusch

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2009-07-30

Total Pages: 391

ISBN-13: 3540773339

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The book assesses current ideas for long-term disposal of highly radioactive waste. Different types of rock are discussed and assessed with respect to practical difficulties in constructing a repository, and the efficiency of isolating radioactive waste.


Book Synopsis Geological Storage of Highly Radioactive Waste by : Roland Pusch

Download or read book Geological Storage of Highly Radioactive Waste written by Roland Pusch and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2009-07-30 with total page 391 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book assesses current ideas for long-term disposal of highly radioactive waste. Different types of rock are discussed and assessed with respect to practical difficulties in constructing a repository, and the efficiency of isolating radioactive waste.