Migration and Immobilization of Radionuclides in Nuclear Waste Disposal

Managing nuclear waste remains one of the most significant challenges for the nuclear industry in terms of both safety and environmental concerns. This book offers a thorough examination of the migration and immobilization of nuclear waste.

Managing nuclear waste remains one of the most significant challenges for the nuclear industry in terms of both safety and environmental concerns. This book offers a thorough examination of the migration and immobilization of nuclear waste. Focusing on the chemistry of radioactive elements in natural rocks, waters, and engineered barriers, the book details how key isotopes travel through or are retained by soils, clays, and groundwater. It also examines how chemical conditions, mineral surfaces, and colloidal particles control the movement of radionuclides and how glass, cement, and advanced ceramics can contain waste for long periods. The chapters in this book cover radioactivity essentials, waste generation from medical, energy, and industrial applications, and processing, transporting, and storage of waste. Accessible case studies—from Three Mile Island and Chernobyl to Fukushima—demonstrate how nuclear accidents unfold and how emergency responses can limit environmental harm. This book will appeal to engineers, scientists, and researchers working in nuclear energy and waste management.