Processing of radioactive wastes from the operation of nuclear power plants

The problems are discussed of radioactive wastes from nuclear power plant operation. The definition and classification of such wastes are given, the sources of radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants are described and methods of the disposal of solid, liquid and gaseous wastes listed. As for liquid wastes attention is focused on the following disposal techniques: distillation, ion exchange, cementation, bituminization and dehydration. It is stated that the technical principles of processing radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants and their application can be considered to have been resolved. Further development will advance towards optimizing the proposed technologies and equipment with regard to savings of capital and running costs. The most important problem in the disposal of radioactive wastes is the geological medium which must be decisive for the method of radioactive waste burial. (Z.M.). 7 tabs