Final disposal of radioactive waste

L Cifarelli,H Freiesleben,F Wagner,D.S Wiersma

doi:10.1051/epjconf/20135401006

Abstract

Summary. — In this paper the origin and properties of radioactive waste as well as its classification scheme (low-level waste - LLW, intermediate-level waste - ILW, high-level waste - HLW) are presented. The various options for conditioning of waste of different levels of radioactivity are reviewed. The composition, radiotoxicity and reprocessing of spent fuel and their effect on storage and options for final disposal are discussed. The current situation of final waste disposal in a selected number of countries is mentioned. Also, the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency with regard to the development and monitoring of international safety standards for both spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management is described.

Highlights

1. – Introduction Nuclear energy is set free by the process of controlled nuclear fission and is used for generating electricity in nuclear-power plants
NWT, NR, reprocessing, nuclear weapons manufacturing NWT, NR Decay product of Mo-99, used in medical diagnoses NWT, NR NMT, NR, used for medical treatment NWT, NR produced by neutron capture on U-238 radioactivity is involved as this phenomenon cannot be perceived by our senses because it is an abstract concept: Radioactivity is the phenomenon of spontaneous disintegration or decay of an atomic nucleus by the emission of particles (α, β), usually accompanied by electromagnetic radiation/photons (γ). α, β, γ particles constitute ionising radiation
Nuclear fission is accompanied by the emission of β, γ particles as well as neutrons

Summary

Introduction

Nuclear energy is set free by the process of controlled nuclear fission and is used for generating electricity in nuclear-power plants. The composition, radiotoxicity and reprocessing of spent fuel and their effect on storage and options for final disposal are discussed. The role of the International Atomic Energy Agency with regard to the development and monitoring of international safety standards for both spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management is described.

Results

Conclusion