Author(s)

Mukhtar Ahmed Rana

Physics Division, Directorate of Science, PINSTECH, Islamabad, Pakistan.

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the current status of high-level nuclear waste disposal along with presentation of practical perspectives about the environmental issues involved. Present disposal designs and concepts are analyzed on a scientific basis and modifications to existing designs are proposed from the perspective of environmental safety. A new concept of a chemical heat sink is introduced for the removal of heat emitted due to radioactive decay in the spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste, and thermal spikes produced by radiation in containment materials. Mainly, UO₂ and metallic U are used as fuels in nuclear reactors. Spent nuclear fuel contains fission products and transuranium elements which would remain radioactive for 10⁴ to 10⁸years. Essential concepts and engineering strategies for spent nuclear fuel disposal are described. Conceptual designs are described and discussed considering the long-term radiation and thermal activity of spent nuclear fuel. Notions of physical and chemical barriers to contain nuclear waste are highlighted. A timeframe for nuclear waste disposal is proposed and time-line nuclear waste disposal plan or policy is described and discussed.

High-Level Nuclear Waste; Nuclear Waste Containment and Disposal; Environment; Conceptual Model Designs; Radioactivity Damage; Chemical Heat Sink

M. Rana, "High-Level Nuclear Wastes and the Environment: Analyses of Challenges and Engineering Strategies," World Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, Vol. 2 No. 3, 2012, pp. 89-105. doi: 10.4236/wjnst.2012.23015.