A Systematic Approach for Assessment of Alternative Nuclear Waste Management Strategies

Abstract

A systematic approach for alternative nuclear waste management assessment is prescribed for evaluating the fate and transport of radwaste in the environment and to man. The approach consists of a system of flow dynamic and waste transport models for the physical environment, transfer models to biota, and dose models to man. Flow dynamic and waste transport models are included for computing spatial-temporal variations of the flow field and radwaste concentration in subsurface aquifers, surface water regimes, estuaries/ oceans, and the atmosphere. Transfer models are linked to flow dynamic and waste transport models to study the uptake from and to the physical environment of the waste by aquatic and terrestrial biota. Dose models are used to compute both the radwaste input to man and its effects on man. With these series of computations, the radiation dose from alternative nuclear waste management strategies can be computed. Coupled with the exposure and effect analysis, the approach should facilitate the selection of the best management methodologies among many alternatives.