Disposal of Radioactive Wastes

Ion-exchange minerals and disposal of radioactive wastes-- A survey of literature

“…According to Wolman and Gorman (1956), control of radioactive wastes was adequate but expensive as of 1956. It is apparent, however, that if the atomic industry is to expand further more economical facilities for the handling of radioactive wastes will be required (Ackerman and Lof, 1959, p. 326;Claus, 1956;Hatch and others, 1956;Hayner, 1952;Nesbitt and others, 1952;Wolman and Gorman, 1956;and Wolman and others, 1956).…”

“…All other radioactive wastes come under the classification of low-level wastes according to these investigators. Wolman and German (1956) described a typical reactor fuelprocessing waste (high-level) as having an effective life of about 600 years and radioactivity of 1 to 4 X 26,420 juc/ml (neutralized).…”

“…UQUID WASTES Straub (1956) defined three kinds of liquid wastes at Oak Ridge: (a) metal wastes containing dissolved uranium compounds and which are held for recovery of the uranium, (b) radiochemical wastes from the production and development processes in the laboratory, and (c) process wastes which consist primarily of cooling water and nonradioactive byproducts. Wolman and German (1956) described a typical high-level waste from reactor fuel processing. It includes such nonradioactive inorganic ions as A1+3, H+, Na+, N03 -, F~, and SO4 2.…”

“…The desirable geologic condition would prevent, or at least limit to a slow rate, the release of isotopes thus allowing the radioactivity to decay to a safe level (Warde and Richardson, 1955a;and Wolman and German, 1955). Thus, the suitability of a ground-disposal site cannot be determined until various geologic factors are known (Struxness and others, 1956;and Warde and Richardson, 1955a).…”