Geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Long-term safety and reduction of environmental impact

The long-term safety of high-level radioactive waste in a geological repository is evaluated by numerical analysis based on estimates of the radiation dose received by people living on the surface taking into account a number of possible scenarios. Evaluations include modeling of nuclide migration from vitrified waste in deep underground repository. Safety is ensured by the isolation and confinement of radionuclides using a combination of artificial materials and the natural environment which function as a barrier. In the context of geological disposal and from the perspective of reducing environmental impact, the concept of pursuing integrated multidisciplinary research on nuclide separation with a particular focus on exploiting the relevant nuclear data is elaborated herein. (author)