Radioactive waste management practices in India

2006 ◽  
Vol 236 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 914-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Raj ◽  
K.K. Prasad ◽  
N.K. Bansal
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-95
Author(s):  
John Tauxe

Much of humanity's solid waste will outlast the human race, and the waste generated by one generation must be endured and managed by future societies. Radioactive wastes are unique in that their regulation explicitly considers the protection of future generations. But radioactive waste management faces a serious quandary: how to balance the substantial expense of waste isolation against the uncertain mitigation of risks to hypothetical future humans. Most of this uncertainty stems not from natural processes, or from the projected performance of engineered materials, but rather from social actions and human behaviors. Given that these uncertainties become overwhelming when consider the future only a few centuries from now, how far into the future is it useful for us to attempt to assess risks? Government regulators are currently grappling with this question as they rewrite regulations in order to accommodate radioactive wastes that have the potential for unacceptable and perpetual human health risks. This paper discusses the issues surrounding the period of performance expected from radioactive waste management practices, and outlines central conditions for soundly addressing controversial problems.


2012 ◽  
Vol 1475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoran Drace ◽  
Irena Mele ◽  
Michael I. Ojovan ◽  
R. O. Abdel Rahman

ABSTRACTAn overview is given on research activities on cementitious materials for radioactive waste management systems based on the IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) held in 2007-2010. It has been joined by 26 research organizations from 22 countries which shared their research and practical activities on use of cementitious materials for various barrier purposes. The CRP has initially formulated the research topics considered within four specific streams: A) Conventional cementitious systems; B) Novel cementitious materials and technologies; C) Testing and waste acceptance criteria; and D) Modelling long term behaviour.The CRP has analysed both barrier functions and interactions envisaged between various components with focus on predisposal stage of waste management. Cementation processes have achieved a high degree of acceptance and many processes are now regarded as technically mature. A large body of information is currently available on proven waste conditioning technologies although novel approaches are continuing to be devised.Most of the existing technologies have been developed for conditioning of large amounts of operational radioactive waste from nuclear power plants and other nuclear fuel cycle facilities. However new waste streams including those resulting from legacy and decommissioning activities required improved material performance and technologies.The most important outcome of CRP was the exchange of information and research co-operation between different institutions and has contributed towards general enhancement of safety by improving waste management practices and their efficiency. The paper presents the most important results and trends revealed by CRP participants. The research contributions of participating organizations will be published as country contributions in a forthcoming IAEA technical publication.


Author(s):  
P. Degnan ◽  
I. Mele ◽  
P. Dinner ◽  
H. Monken-Fernandes ◽  
A. Morales Leon ◽  
...  

Since 2001 the International Atomic Energy Agency has championed the concept and use of Networks to advance radioactive waste management across the globe. At the present time there are four Networks managed on behalf of Member States by the IAEA and a fifth one is currently being implemented. The scopes of interest covered by the Networks encompass near-surface and deep geological disposal, the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, the environmental remediation of sites contaminated with radioactive materials and the characterisation of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes. To date over 100 organisations from more than 40 Member States are involved in the Networks. Many of these Network participants generously donate resources, time and effort to support Network activities, while others with nascent or otherwise less well developed programmes are still in the process of acquiring experience, capabilities and know-how. Regardless of the stage of development, all Network participants share in the mutual benefits that arise from improved communications with sister organisations and the sharing of experience and knowledge. The universal Goal of the Networks is the promotion of methods and technologies that will enhance the safety and sustainability of radioactive waste management practices and facilities. This Goal is being achieved through continuous improvements in communication and knowledge sharing between Network participants and the provision of enhanced opportunities for training, involvement in demonstration projects and the development of novel technologies and methodologies. We recognise that interdisciplinary understanding and the coordination of efforts at key interfaces at the back-end of the fuel cycle are critical aspects for achieving the Network Goal efficiently and effectively. Consequently, the IAEA Networks that will be operational by the end of 2010 are themselves are being molded into an organic “Network of Networks” where the use of new electronic media and the possibilities presented by enhanced communication channels will be exploited. Here we provide an overview of the IAEA Networks in radioactive waste management and present a new tool that is under development, an internet-based portal for enhanced communications and the provision of improved training opportunities.


1994 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-275
Author(s):  
R.D. Little ◽  
P.R. Maul ◽  
G.M. Smith ◽  
P.A. Towler

Comparisons have been frequently drawn between the radioactive and hazardous waste industries. However, they have tended to focus on particular aspects of the industries rather than the totality of waste management practices. In this paper a “cradle to grave” approach is taken, summarising and comparing practices in the two industries at all stages of the waste management cycle in OECD countries. In these countries there has been a convergence of approaches in recent years, with the hazardous waste industry now employing many of the practices which were developed for radioactive waste at a much earlier date. There is increasing emphasis on waste minimisation and volume reduction in both areas, and near surface engineered disposal facilities for the two types of waste now share many common features. The most notable outstanding difference between the two industries is the timescales of concern considered in post-disposal performance assessments. For radioactive waste, the impacts of disposal have been considered for timescales of many thousands, or even millions, of years into the future. The question of whether it is necessary to consider environmental impacts over such extended periods is only now becoming an issue for hazardous wastes.


2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 212-218
Author(s):  
Hans-Frieder Beer

This paper presents the current radioactive waste management practices at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). The PSI contributes to waste related problems in two aspects, namely to the scientific basis of waste management and disposal, and to the practical treatment and storage of radioactive waste. In addition to the tasks of treating on-site generated waste, PSI manages the wastes from medicine, industry, and research throughout Switzerland on behalf of the government. Therefore the Dismantling and Waste Management Section is a part of the Logistics Department at PSI. Proved and accepted methods have to be developed for the safe conditioning and storage of radioactive waste. Various waste treatment facilities exist at PSI. The conditioning facility is dedicated to sorting, compaction by a 120 t press, solidification with special cement, and embedding in concrete. Specialized facilities were constructed for waste from the decommissioning of research reactors. Activated aluminum and its alloys were melted in crucibles and embedded in concrete in a concrete container. After dismantling the structural material of the reactors, it was embedded in concrete in the same manner. For the conditioning of activated reactor graphite, a dedicated method was developed. Graphite was crushed to replace sand in the grout, for embedding radioactive waste in concrete containers. For accelerator waste, a walk-in hot cell equipped with an electrically driven manipulator is available where the highly activated large components (targets, beam dump) can be cut into pieces and embedded in concrete in containers. To guarantee the fulfillment of the demands of the regulators, the Dismantling and Waste Management Section applies an accredited quality management system for the safe collection, conditioning, and storage of radioactive waste.


Author(s):  
Femi O. Omololu ◽  
Akinmayowa S. Lawal

This paper examines the influence of population growth on waste generation in Lagos metropolis, African’s most populous urban conglomeration. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study analyses the pattern of household waste disposal, collection and transportation in Lagos State. It also examines the public-private partnership strategy adopted in waste management. The findings show that population growth significantly influences waste generation and management in Lagos metropolis. As the population increased, the volume of waste generated also increased in each LGA of Lagos State. The public-private partnership strategy has been effective in managing waste, but the Lagos State Waste Management Authority oversight was adjudged as less than satisfactory. The paper concludes that intervention is needed in terms of educating the growing population of the Lagos metropolis on the best waste management practices. It highlights the need for a more efficient and effective publicprivate partnership collaboration to solve this perennial social problem.


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