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High level waste from discharged reactor fuel is extremely dangerous because of its high radioactivity, and much of this has long half-lives. Despite storing it on site for years, it will still be dangerous. If and when a long term repository is designated and approved for use, the waste fuel can be transported there. Provided it is contained in sealed and shielded containers, the transport can be made safe. Once in the repository, which must be carefully selected to avoid flood risks and should be in a low earthquake zone, it should be safe so long as access is denied to anyone who wants to create an incident, ie terrorists. Radioactive materials present the following problems: * They damage the containment vessel, and bathe the surroundings in radiation. * They frequently off gas. * They are frequently water soluble, since they are from the less electronegative end of the Periodic Table... and they oxidize. * They maintain high levels of radioactivity, sometimes for thousands of years. * They can be toxic / cancer producing in miniscule amounts. * They can only be manipulated into easily handled "packages" with equipment that typically then also is made radioactive. You either have to store them where water will not get to them for millenia to come, or dilute them to below background levels (in molecular or atom form, like a plasma) and simply handle them like dirt. They represent a real investment in orignally mining them, so eventually recycling them will be made much more difficult by dispersing them.
What else can I help you with?
When did Marie curie build radioactivity?
no but she built the knowleage of radioactivity.
Is radioactivity extensive or intensive?
is radioactivity extensive or intensive or chemical property
What are the differences between natural radioactivity nd artificial radioactivity?
Natural Radioactivity arises from radioactive components contained in nature. Artificial Radioactivity will come through element produced with in nuclear reactors as well as accelerators. Natural Radioactivity is a spontaneous process of disintegration. Artificial Radioactivity is carried in synthetically produced radioactive elements used in nuclear reactors.
Is a liquid that has passed through compacted solid waste?
Liquid that has passed through compacted solid waste typically contains pollutants and contaminants from the waste. This liquid is known as leachate, and it can be harmful to the environment if not properly managed and treated to prevent contamination of soil and water sources. Proper waste management practices such as lining landfills and collecting and treating leachate are essential to prevent environmental damage.
Which cell component would first show an increase in radioactivity?
The nucleus would first show an increase in radioactivity as it contains the genetic material of the cell, and radioactivity affects DNA.
What sort of waste is produced from uranium mining?
Radioactive wastes (low radioactivity)
Is the radioactive waste from nuclear power plants dangerous?
It contains a higher amount of radioactivity
What is the relationship between hazardous waste and nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy production generates radioactive waste, which is considered hazardous due to its long-lasting radioactivity. Proper management and disposal of this waste is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and health risks. Regulations are in place to ensure that nuclear facilities safely handle and store hazardous waste to protect public safety and the environment.
How could you tell if a rock contained radioactive waste material?
Test for radioactivity with a Geiger counter.
You nuclear wastes must be stored for centuries to prevent dangerous radioactivity from escaping?
Yes
What is nuclear and radioactive waste?
Nuclear waste refers to materials that remain after the use of nuclear fuel in reactors or during the production of nuclear energy, while radioactive waste specifically includes materials that emit radiation due to their unstable atomic structure. This waste can be categorized into low-level waste, which contains low amounts of radioactivity, and high-level waste, which is highly radioactive and requires careful handling and long-term storage solutions. Proper disposal and management of both types of waste are critical to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health.
Can nuclear waste be made nonradioactive?
Nuclear waste cannot be made entirely nonradioactive, but its radioactivity can be significantly reduced over time through processes such as decay and transmutation. Decay involves waiting for the radioactive isotopes to lose their radioactivity naturally, which can take thousands to millions of years. Transmutation, on the other hand, involves changing the isotopes into less harmful or stable forms through nuclear reactions. While these methods can mitigate the risks associated with nuclear waste, complete elimination of radioactivity is not currently achievable.
Why is it unsafe to bury or incinerate radioactive waste?
Burying it could be safe, provided it is deep in a stable geologic area and somewhere that will not get flooded. Incineration would just scatter the radioactivity to the winds, you can't destroy radioactivity by chemical methods.
What is waste that contain radioisotopes?
Waste that contains radioisotopes is known as radioactive waste. This type of waste is generated from various sources, including nuclear power plants, medical facilities using radioactive materials for diagnostics and treatments, and research institutions. Depending on its level of radioactivity, radioactive waste is categorized into low-level, intermediate-level, and high-level waste, each requiring specific handling, storage, and disposal methods to ensure safety and environmental protection. Proper management is crucial to prevent exposure to harmful radiation and minimize environmental impact.
How do you prevent world waste?
You cannot.
What are radioactive waste disposal methods?
the methods of radioactive waste disposal varies by the waste form (solid, liquid. gaseous) and the radioactivity level (low, intermediate, high). Primarily; three methods are applied:delay and decay: to maintain waste in tanks for some periods of time to allow decay of radioactivity and then to be disposed of to environment.dilute and disperse: to dispose to environment (through dilution and dispersion, incineration) as ocean, sea, atmosphere, etc.contain and concentrate: This is used mainly for high level radioactive waste as spent fuel or the spent fuel reprocessing products; either in wet storage, dry storage, or vitrifies waste
Would burning be an unacceptable plan for destroying radioactive waste?
Not by any stretch of the imagination. Storage is the only viable solution to radioactive waste by today's technological limits. Incineration would release radioactivity to the environment.
