Open AccessScenarios and Pathways of Radionuclide Releases from Near-Surface Waste Disposal Facilities: A Brief Overview of Historical Evidence
Author(s) -
D. Bugaï,
R. Ávila
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
âderna ta radìacìjna bezpeka
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.221
H-Index - 5
ISSN - 2073-6231
DOI - 10.32918/nrs.2020.3(87).03
Subject(s) - nuclear decommissioning , radioactive waste , radionuclide , environmental science , waste management , leaching (pedology) , groundwater , containment (computer programming) , intrusion , engineering , geology , geotechnical engineering , soil water , physics , quantum mechanics , computer science , soil science , programming language , geochemistry
The very low-level waste (VLLW) produced during decommissioning of nuclear facilities can be suitable for disposal in landfill type facilities. Considering the similarities in design, the experience gained in near-surface disposal of radioactive waste in trenches and vaults is relevant to the issue of VLLW disposal in landfills. This paper presents a brief review of internationally reported cases of radionuclide releases from near-surface disposal facilities. Based on this review, the conclusions are made that the following radionuclide release and exposure scenarios should be accounted for in safety assessment of VLLW disposal in landfills: i) leaching from waste to groundwater by atmospheric precipitations; ii) bath-tubing scenario; iii) scenarios caused by extreme meteorological and hydrological events (erosion, flooding, etc.); iv) human intrusion. The gaseous transport deserves attention for a number of relevant radionuclides, such as (C-14, Rn-222, etc.). In addition, the possibility of early degradation of engineered containment structures (soil covers, bottom seals) should be cautiously considered.