Radioactive Nuclear Waste
Publication: Practice Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Management
Volume 6, Issue 2
Abstract
Radioactive nuclear waste includes a large number of radioactive elements. Behavior of these elements is unstable and unpredictable because the elements can change form and properties during their decay process. In order to control this type of waste effectively, the interaction mechanism(s) between radioactivity and the environment must be understood, especially with the soil-rock-water system. In this paper three major types of radioactive elements—namely uranium, radium, and radon gas—are discussed because they are closely related to environmental geotechnology. It focuses on the spent-fuel assemblies produced from nuclear power plants and random gas seeping from ground soil. Several new interaction mechanisms between nuclear elements and the environment are proposed and explained. Remedial action on waste controlling techniques are suggested and discussed.
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Published In
Practice Periodical of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Management
Volume 6 • Issue 2 • April 2002
Pages: 102 - 111
Copyright
Copyright © 2002 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 28, 2001
Accepted: Dec 28, 2001
Published online: Apr 1, 2002
Published in print: Apr 2002
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