Radioactive waste treatment technology: a review

Abstract

Radioactive waste is generated from activities that utilize nuclear materials such as nuclear medicine or power plants. Depending on their half-life, they emit radiation continuously, ranging from seconds to millions of years. Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause serious harm to humans and the environment. Therefore, special attention is paid to the management of radioactive waste in order to deal with its large quantity and dangerous levels. Current treatment technologies are still being developed to improve efficiency in reducing the hazard level and waste volume, to minimize the impact on living organisms. Thus, the aim of this study was to provide an overview of the global radioactive waste treatment technologies that have been released in 2019–2021.

Perspectives on Taiwan’s Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions

“…However, radioactive waste is a major challenge associated with nuclear power generation. Nuclear power plants produce spent fuel rods and other types of radioactive waste, which can remain hazardous for thousands of years [41]. The long-term storage and disposal of this waste is a complex and expensive process that requires careful planning and management to prevent any leakage or environmental contamination.…”

Catalytic behavior of Mn during molten salt oxidation of cationic exchange resins in Li2CO3–Na2CO3–K2CO3 melt

“…Therefore, it is necessary to find an efficient and non-hazardous way to treat cation exchange resins doped with metal ions. 7 Oxidation reactions can convert organic waste into nonpolluting inorganic products, widely used in organic waste treatment and rapid degradation processes. 8 The dominant methods of oxidizing cation exchange resins include pyrolysis incineration, [9][10][11] wet oxidation, [12][13][14] and molten salt oxidation.…”

“…Therefore, it is necessary to find an efficient and non-hazardous way to treat cation exchange resins doped with metal ions. 7…”

Radiation Protection Device Composite of Epoxy Resin and Iodine Contrast Media for Low-Dose Radiation Protection in Diagnostic Radiology

“…Radiation protection is the protection of people from the harmful effects of exposure to ionizing radiation [ 4 ]. The radiation exposure may come from radiation sources outside the human body or from medical radiation [ 5 ], including various contaminants caused by radioactive substances [ 6 , 7 ]. In general, the radiology department must have equipment for radiation shields or a means to attenuate radiation from causing harm to the radiological technologist or radiologist [ 8 ].…”