Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling

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Short Communication - Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling (2022) Volume 5, Issue 1

Management of radioactive waste.

Joseph Chambers*

Department of Environment, Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom

*Corresponding Author:
Joseph Chambers
Department of Environment
Sheffield Hallam University
United Kingdom
E-mail: : j.chambers@shu.ac.uk

Received: 03-Jan-2022, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-22-53291; Editor assigned: 05-Jan-2022, PreQC No. AAEWMR-22-53291(PQ); Reviewed: 19-Jan-2022, QC No. AAEWMR-22-53291; Revised: 22-Jan-2022, Manuscript No. AAEWMR-22-53291(R); Published: 29-Jan-2022, DOI:10.35841/aaewmr-5.1.103

Citation: Chambers J. Management of radioactive waste. Environ Waste Management Recycling. 2022;5(1):103

Nuclear power is the only large-scale energy-generating technology that accepts full responsibility for all waste generated and costs it into the product. Nuclear power generates extremely less waste as compared to other thermal electricity producing sources. Used nuclear fuel can either be used as a resource or discarded. In comparison to other toxic industrial waste, nuclear waste is neither exceptionally harmful nor difficult to manage. Safe ways for the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste have been scientifically demonstrated; the best option, according to worldwide opinion, is geological disposal. Electricity generation, like all sectors, generates trash. Whatever fuel is utilized, the waste generated during the generation of power must be managed in a way that protects the environment [1].

In the case of radioactive waste, this means separating or diluting the radioactive waste so that the amount or concentration of radionuclides returned to the biosphere is safe. To achieve this, virtually all radioactive waste is contained and disposed of, but some obviously require deep and permanent burial. In nuclear power, unlike all other thermal power generation, all waste is regulated and not allowed to cause pollution. The amount of waste generated by this process is also relatively small. However, most of the waste generated is radioactive and should be treated with caution as dangerous goods. The cost of producing, managing and disposing of radioactive waste in all parts of the nuclear fuel cycle is part of the cost of electricity (that is, internalized and paid by the electricity consumer). All toxic waste, not just radioactive waste, must be safely treated. In nuclear power countries, radioactive waste accounts for a small part of the total industrial hazardous waste generated [2].

Radioactive waste is not only contained in the nuclear fuel cycle. Unlike other dangerous industrial materials, the risk of all radioactive waste (its radioactivity) diminishes over time. Types of Radioactive Waste Radioactive waste contains all substances that are either radioactive in nature or contaminated with radioactivity and are not considered to be used anymore. Government policy stipulates whether certain substances, such as spent nuclear fuel and plutonium, should be classified as waste. All radionuclides have a half-life. That is, the time it takes for half of the atoms to collapse and half of the radioactivity to be lost. Radionuclides with long half-lives are likely to be alpha and beta emitters and are easy to handle, while radionuclides with short half-lives tend to emit more permeable gamma rays. Eventually, all radioactive waste will decay into non-radioactive elements. The more radioisotopes there are, the faster the decay. Radioactive waste is usually classified as either low level (LLW), medium level (ILW), or high level (HLW), mainly depending on the level of radioactivity. GBq / t) Alpha activity or 12 GBq / t beta gamma activity. LLW does not require a shield during handling and transportation and is suitable for disposal in shallow facilities. LLW is produced in hospitals, industry, and the nuclear fuel cycle. This includes paper, rags, tools, clothing, filters, etc., most of which contain small amounts of short-lived radioactivity [3].

LLW is often compressed or incinerated before disposal to reduce its amount. LLW occupies about 90% of the volume, but only 1% of the radioactivity of all radioactive waste. Intermediate active waste Intermediate active waste (ILW) is more radioactive than LLW, but the heat it produces (2 kW / m3) causes a significant increase in temperature and ambient temperature. As a result, HAA requires cooling and shielding. HAA is formed when uranium fuel "burns" in a nuclear reactor. HAA contains fission products and Trans uranium elements produced in the core. HAA makes up only 3% of the volume, but makes up 95% of the total radioactivity of the waste produced. There are two different types of HLW. Spent fuel designated as waste. Separate waste from spent fuel reprocessing. The HAA has both long-lived and short-lived components, depending on how long it takes for the radioactivity of a particular radionuclide to decay to levels considered safe for humans and the environment. In general, this distinction is important in HAA management and disposal if short-lived fission products can be separated from long-lived fission products.

HLW is an important focus of attention related to nuclear energy and is managed accordingly. It contains radioactive substances at a concentration that does not harm humans or the environment. It mainly consists of materials destroyed as a result of repair or decommissioning work on the nuclear industry site (concrete, gypsum, brick, metal, valves, pipelines, etc.). Other industries such as food processing, chemistry and steel also produce VLLW due to the concentration of natural radioactivity present in certain minerals used in the manufacturing process (see also Information page on naturally occurring radioactive materials). Please). Therefore, countries such as France are currently developing specially designed VLLW landfills, but the waste is disposed of with household waste [4].

References

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