Nuclear Waste Management and Disposal Technologies

Nuclear waste, also known as radioactive waste, is material that contains or emits radioactive particles as a byproduct of activities involving nuclear materials. These materials are hazardous due to their potential to harm human health and the environment if not properly managed.

Types of Nuclear Waste

  • High-Level Radioactive Waste (HLW): From reactor fuel, 90% radioactivity, ~20 tons/GW/year.
  • Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW): From reactor operations, decommissioning, 10% radioactivity.
  • Low-Level Waste (LLW): Contaminated equipment, clothing, 80% volume, <1% radioactivity.
  • Thorium-Based Waste: 20% less transuranics compared to uranium, but emits gamma radiation due to U-232.

Status in India

  • Production: ~4,000 tons HLW (1950–2024), from 5.3 GW ....
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