Evaluation of matrices and conditioning techniques for low and intermediate level waste concentrates and residues

The problems associated with the low and intermediate level wastes are on account of their bulk volume. On account of this overall cost of management becomes highly sensitive with respect to cost of each component involved in processing, storage and disposal. In today's practice ''Shallow land Burial'' is perhaps the most popular disposal option for these wastes. This is because of its simplicity. It is also apparently the cheapest. However, by virtue of its proximity to surface, it is also the most vulnerable to human intrusion. Disposal by ''Shallow land Burial'' not only stipulates upper limits of radionuclide inventories but also specific requirements with respect to long term integrity. It is likely that the waste form would eventually come in contact with ground water and, therefore, it is essential that the waste form exhibits good resistance against aqueous attack. With the above perspective, studies were undertaken to improve upon the performance of the most popularly used cement waste form on the one hand, and development of vitreous matrices for these wastes which could result in substantial volume reduction and products of vastly improved leach resistance on the other. In view of the difference in approach adopted in these studies, it is considered appropriated to deal with them separately under Part-A and Part-B entitled ''Evaluation of Cement Waste Forms Incorporating Low and Intermediate Level Wastes'' and ''Development of Vitreous Waste Forms for Intermediate Level Wastes and Concentrates''. (author). 6 figs, 8 tabs