Radioactive Waste and Environmental Management

On completion, the student should be able to: 1. identify the type of radioactive wastes generated from the operation of nuclear power plants, as well as from other sectors of the application of nuclear technology; 2. recognize the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle and its effect on the environment; 3. have a clear knowledge of the classification of radioactive wastes into categories: low, medium and high level; as well as into forms/types: gaseous, liquid and solid and their sources, as well as the respective treatment technologies; 4. explain the importance of the containment and management of the radioactive wastes; methods of treatment and disposal; 5. describe the requirements and standards for transportation of radioactive wastes; 6. relate the concepts of borehole disposal and geologic repositories for high level radioactive wastes; 7. apply the key components, the economics, regulatory and operational processes of a radioactive waste management system/facilities; and 8. develop procedures to adhere to international standards on safeguards and non- proliferation.

Overview of radioactive waste management. A study of the production, utilization, waste disposal, safeguards, and economic aspects of nuclear fuel cycles of importance in nuclear power technology. Covers waste categories, sources, treatment and disposal methods, minimization, transportation and current research topics.