Low level radioactive waste produced from the Radioisotope Production Laboratory in Libya

The Radioisotope Production Laboratory was established in 1980. The Production program depends mainly on the research reactor IRT. At the start of operation 131I, 51Cr, 35S, 24Na , 198Au and 32P were produced and supplied to the users. In the Last years some facilities had been upgraded in cooperation with IAEA such as the production of 99mTc, 131I, and 82Br. Little and low level radioactive waste are produced during these activities. These radioactive wastes which produced after the production are: Cation resin column, glass- wool, Alumina column, Membrane filter, Disposal Filter Assembly, Syringe and needle, Na299MoO4 solution after repeated extraction of 99mTc from Na299MoO4 solution for 5-7 days. TeO2 Target after distillation of 131I, laboratory glassware and vials, the aluminum containers which used for irradiation and the contaminated water used for the vacuum pump during the method of dry distillation of 131I and Animal waste, including carcasses or other biological or pathological wastes contaminated with radioisotopes. The solid waste accumulated in suitable container for storage, shipment, further treatment, or disposal. Removal of over 99% of most long and short-lived products has been achieved in this manner by using anion and cation-exchange resin. (author)