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Beyond one million years: The intrinsic radiation hazard of high-level nuclear wastes

This paper highlights the absence of quantitative estimates
regarding the intrinsic radiation hazard of high-level nuclear wastes,
namely, spent fuel (SF) and vitrified high-level wastes (VHLW), for periods
exceeding one million years.

Using available data, conducting scoping
calculations of radiation doses, and comparing the results to radiation
protection guidelines and natural background radiation, this paper shows
that high-level wastes cannot be safely handled or left unprotected
essentially indefinitely.

By quantitatively evaluating the dose rates of
unshielded SF and VHLW, this study identifies critical new insights, such
as the roles of the Np-237 decay chain; the eventual, long-term dominance
of the U-238 decay chain; and the interplay of three actinide decay chains,
including the significant role of Bi-214.

These findings fill a gap in the literature and emphasize the need for more detailed investigations in this as-yet-unexplored research area, which has a direct bearing on technical and societal decision-making for both waste disposal safety and the choice
of the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle.

Nukleonik 24th Sept 2024 http://www.nukleonika.pl/www/back/full/vol69_2024/v69n4p215f.pdf

November 21, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Reference