Management of low-level radioactive wastes around the world

Low-level radioactive wastes are produced worldwide from nuclear power programs, weapon material activities, and institutional/industrial use of radioisotopes. The relative quantities produced by each source are dependent upon the scope of nuclear activities in a country. Classical engineering processes-evaporation, ion exchange, precipitation, compaction, incineration-are commonly employed to reduce volumes. Immobilization is employed, but not universally, to fix the wastes for storage and/or disposal. Cement and bitumen are the most common fixation agents used. Indefinite storage in surface facilities and shallow-land burial are by far the most common means of disposal. Geologic disposal is used by four countries having land limitations or possessing a readily available repository (mine). Worldwide, the management of low-level radioactive wastes appears to offer no technical problems. Research and development is directed at optimizing site-specific practices and, in underdeveloped countries, introducing technology. Nontechnical issues, e.g., acceptance of disposal sites, are the focus of most interest. 73 references, 6 tables