Protection of the environment from nuclear fuel waste radionuclides: a framework using environmental increments

Abstract

Protection of the environment is a key issue in the disposal of long-lived radioactive wastes. To assess the implications of underground disposal, transport models are commonly used to predict radionuclide concentrations in soil and water. However, an appropriate framework needs to be established to ensure that the predicted concentrations do not impose unacceptable environmental impacts. Here, we suggest Environmental Increments (EI) of the most important radionuclides in nuclear fuel waste, which could be added to soil and water without causing detectable effects. The EI values are based mostly on natural variability, but some alternative methods are used for radionuclides that are very rare in nature. The EI values are most useful as a screening tool to help identify potentially unacceptable concentrations arising from a disposal concept. This review focuses especially on concentrations applicable to the Canadian Precambrian Shield, as part of the Canadian concept of nuclear fuel waste disposal in a deep, stable geological formation.