Geomorphology and the location of nuclear power plant sites: the Czechoslovakian experience

The need for secure sites for such sensitive installations as nuclear power plants and radioactive waste storage has brought increasing significance to the study of the geodynamic processes of the Earth's crust. Among other Earth sciences, geomorphology in Czechoslovakia is also participating in the study of both planning and operating nuclear power station sites. The experience of Czech geomorphologists has shown that the geomorphological information is necessary part of the accurate prediction of events and time which can endanger the security of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste storages, pipelines and other large installations. Geomorphological mapping and morphostructural analysis are important tools for such studies.     

Radioactive removal by adsorption on Yesan clay and zeolite

The adsorption of Cs, Sr, Ni, and Co radioactive substitutes onto Yesan clay and zeolite was studied through batch and column tests using Cs, Sr, Ni, and Co as substitutes for radioactive isotopes. Adsorption values of 0.189–1.865 μg/g onto Yesan clay and 0.595–9.055 μg/g onto zeolite were observed, with the radioactive substitutes being almost 100 % adsorbed from the onset of column testing. Adsorption was achieved through ionic bonding. These materials demonstrated suitability for use as backfill or foundation materials for nuclear power plants, radioactive waste disposal facilities, and other radioactive facilities.     

浙西石煤产区放射性污染及防治对策

浙江西部山区石煤资源丰富，广泛地被应用于石煤制品的生产和用做部分电厂、山区农村的燃料。石煤中U、Th等放射性核素含量高，致使部分石煤及其制品中U、Th等放射性核素含量偏高。U、Th是Rn的母体元素，衰变后不断释放出氡气，导致石煤产区居室内氡浓度和居民年辐射剂量当量严重超标，危害人体健康。本文在分析该区部分石煤产区、石煤制品、石煤电厂以及居室中的放射性元素污染的基础上，提出了相应的防治措施。     

Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Balance and Emissions of a Wind Energy Plant

Life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology was used to perform a quantitative, comparative analysis and rating of the construction and operation of a wind energy plant. For this case study, the Glacier Hills Wind Park (90 1.8-MW turbines in south-central Wisconsin) was evaluated. Significant environmental and economic benefits are often advertised with the installation of new wind energy facilities, although independent and comprehensive LCA and sustainable energy science are typically not implemented. Hence, a quantitative demonstration with LCA methodology of the life cycle emissions and environmental impact, from construction through operations, can greatly assist in highlighting significant areas of energy consumption and emissions during manufacturing, transportation, and construction of a wind farm. Results portray the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption/generation over the life cycle of the wind park. Transportation of large components from overseas led to the consumption of considerable quantities of fossil fuel, responsible for up to 22 % of the total greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation. The energy payback ratio (25.5), energy payback time (12.3 months) and the total grams of equivalent CO_2(eq) per kWh of energy (16.9) produced were calculated over the life time of this onshore wind farm.     

Nuclear fuel cycle and its impact on the environment

In this paper, we consider the present-day situation and outlooks of the development of nuclear power generation in Russia and other countries. It was noted that the implementation of the concept of a closed nuclear-fuel cycle accepted in Russia relies on the solution of the problem of the disposal of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and radioactive waste (RAW). This paper presents the main results of investigations focused on the development of radiation-safe methods of manufacturing nuclear fuel elements, including mixed uranium–plutonium oxide fuel for fast-neutron reactors; creation of low waste-production technologies of SNF processing and RAW disposal; and the analysis of fundamental features of the behavior and speciation of radionuclides in environmental objects for the development of efficient methods of radioecological monitoring and remediation of radionuclide-contaminated areas.     

某工厂夜光车间环境放射性监测、评价及防护

在黑暗环境中显示仪表指示常采用荧光技术。某工厂夜光车间是利用掺人放射性物质的荧光粉对玻璃制品进行涂抹、描绘等工艺加工的生产车间。由于荧光粉中掺人放射性物质^226Ra、^40K,^226Ra、^40K在自发衰变过程中会放出α、β、γ射线,对人体会产生不同程度的损伤,大剂量或累计照射会对人类造成一定辐射影响。因此,工作时应严防人为等意外因素可能造成超安全计量的放射性损害。为确保夜光车间工作人员和公众人身健康与安全,必须定期对夜光车间及周围环境进行放射性监测与评价。通过环境放射性监测．分析环境辐射水平,寻找可能存在的问题,进而提出保障人体健康的防护措施。     

丹东地区地表γ辐射剂量率的测量

对丹东地区的地表γ射线进行测量。使用BH3103A便携式X-γ剂量率仪,采用网格式测量方法对全地区地表γ射线的剂量率进行了测量,查清了丹东地区地表γ射线水平:丹东地区地表γ射线平均水平8.48×10-8Gyh-1,远高于辽宁省的平均水平,其中凤城境内的17.83×10-8Gyh-1监测值为辽宁省的最大值。     

Lung cancer risk associated with residential proximity to industrial installations: a spatial analysis

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death and thus a major public health problem. While lung cancer frequency might be partially attributable to smoking habit and occupational exposure, the role of industrial pollution also needs to be assessed. To ascertain the possible effect of residential proximity to industrial installations on lung cancer risk in Asturias, an industrial region in Spain, taking into account the type of industrial activity and carcinogenic substances released. We conducted a hospital-based case–control study covering 700 lung cancer patients and 700 controls recruited in Asturias, matched individually by ethnicity, hospital, age, and sex. Distances were computed from the respective participants’ residential locations to the 48 industrial facilities governed by the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Act 16/2002 and included in the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register, and located in the study areas. Using logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were calculated and adjusted for sex, age, hospital area, tobacco consumption, family history of cancer, area of residence, and occupation. Excess risk of lung cancer was observed for individuals living near industrial installations (OR = 1.43; 95 % CI = 1.08–1.89), particularly metal industries (OR = 1.40; 95 % CI = 1.05–1.87), cement plants (OR = 4.81; 95 % CI = 1.20–19.19), and shipyards (OR = 1.69; 95 % CI = 1.17–2.43). Residents living close to industrial facilities releasing dioxins displayed a high, though non-statistically significant, excess risk of lung cancer (OR = 1.62; 95 % CI = 0.86–3.07). This study suggests a possible association between lung cancer risk and proximity to industrial installations, specifically metal industries, cement plants, and shipyards.     

Probabilistic analysis of groundwater and radionuclide transport model from near surface disposal facilities

As per the regulatory requirements controlling the disposal of radioactive waste, the performance of waste disposal facilities needs to be assessed quantitatively using predictive models. This estimates the potential impact of disposal on the environment and public health. Near Surface Disposal Facilities (NSDFs), constructed to contain the low level radioactive waste are considered to model the radionuclide migration from the system to the geo-sphere. The radiation dose experienced by an individual through drinking water pathway is the endpoint of assessment of the model. A three dimensional groundwater contaminant transport model with a decaying source is modelled numerically to determine the radiation dose for short-lived and long-lived radionuclides. The consideration of uncertainties constitutes an intrinsic part of modelling. The uncertain input parameters include porosity, longitudinal dispersivity, transverse dispersivity, diffusion coefficient and distribution coefficient. The uncertainty propagation and quantification is carried out using collocation based stochastic response surface method (CSRSM). To run the simulations for the huge set of input, a code is developed using built-in python interface in the numerical model. The results are processed further to obtain the sensitive parameters affecting the output concentrations. Further, the probability of radiation dose exceeding permissible value is estimated by subset simulation.     

The disposal of radioactive wastes underground

Nuclear power is strategically and quantitatively an important contributor to global electricity generation capacity and produces a small amount of potentially highly hazardous wastes that require careful management. The accepted solution for disposing of higher activity and longer-lived radioactive wastes from the nuclear power industry and other sources is engineered emplacement in deep geological disposal facilities (GDFs), situated many hundreds of metres underground. The first purpose-built GDFs for the most active of these wastes (used nuclear fuel and high-level wastes) will be operational in about ten years time in a few countries, with most other countries (including the UK) developing such facilities during coming decades. This article reviews the conceptual basis for geological disposal, examines how long-term safety is provided, considers the geological challenges to developing GDFs and the uncertainties that have to be managed, and looks in more detail at some of the most advanced design concepts. Because the issue of forecasting GDF evolution and behaviour over very long time periods lies at the core of geological disposal, particular emphasis is placed on matching containment requirements with diminishing hazard potential over many thousands of years. The article concludes with a commentary on current developments in the UK geological disposal programme.     

青岛市地表伽玛辐射特征及环境影响评价

对青岛市1 500 km 2范围内大密度土壤放射性核素和地表γ 辐射测量,系统深入研究了其放射性特征、分布规律及其影响因素。结果表明,青岛市土壤中核素232 Th 和40 K 的放射性比活度偏高,而238U 偏低。地表γ 辐射剂量率( 平均值91. 87 nGy /h) 略高于全国和世界平均值。研究发现,地表 93. 14%的γ 辐射来自地面放射性核素238U、232 Th 和40K 的γ 辐射,其中232 Th 和40K 的贡献占81. 21%,是主要的贡献者。地质背景决定地面γ 辐射剂量率值,燕山期各类花岗岩是导致青岛市区-王哥庄一带γ 辐射剂量率偏高的主要原因; 同时环境因素( 路面材料、地貌景观) 对其剂量率也存在一定影响。虽然研究区的γ 辐射剂量率较高,但其年有效剂量( 0. 56 mSv) 低于公众照射年剂量当量限值 ( 1. 0 mSv) ,人居环境基本不受影响。     

An integrated analysis of air pollution from US coal-fired power plants

The United States is one of the world's leaders in electricity production, generating about 4116 billion kWh in 2021, of which coal accounted for 21.8% of the total. This study applies an integrated approach using both terrestrial and satellite data to specifically examine emissions from coal-fired power plants and its spatial extent. The study also highlights the effectiveness of government policies to reduce emissions. It was found that emission of pollutants from the country's energy sector has been steadily declining, with annual emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) decreasing from the US electric power sector between 1990 and 2020 by 93.4% and 84.8%, respectively, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) by 37% between 2007 and 2020. Although overall emissions from coal-fired power plants are declining, some individual plants have yet to install environmental equipment to control emissions. According to US government data, major emitters of SO₂, NO_x, and CO₂ in the US are the Martin Lake power plant in East Texas, the Labadie power plant near St. Louis, Missouri, and the James H Miller Jr plant near Birmingham, Alabama. This study also integrates TROPOMI satellite data to detect point emissions from individual power plants. While the highest levels of measured pollutants were over the country's major cities and areas of fossil fuel extraction, TROPOMI could clearly distinguish the pollution caused by power plants in more rural areas. Although the US has made great strides in reducing emissions from coal-fired power plants, these plants still represent a major source of pollution and remain a major concern. Totally eliminating coal as a power source will be difficult with the higher power demands resulting from the transition to electric automobiles.     

运用1∶25万化探数据进行区域天然放射性填图评价

以1∶25万化探数据为切入点,在分析全国各城市天然放射性水平特征的基础上,运用放射性填图评价技术研究了成都平原天然放射性水平分布特征。结果表明:研究区环境天然放射性核素238 U、232 Th、40 K含量频数均呈正态分布,数值均在正常本底范围内;238 U比活度总体上低于全国平均水平,232 Th和40 K比活度总体上高于全国平均水平;研究区天然放射性辐射水平、γ射线照射量率、吸收剂量率、年有效剂量当量均低于世界和全国的平均水平;研究区γ射线内、外照射指数均在国家限量标准控制范围之内。     

正确对待放射性与核安全

通过天然放射性的变化,放射性安全标准体系知识介绍,以及日本3.11大地震及引发的海啸和核泄漏对环境影响范围的分析,说明福岛第一核电站核泄漏对中国领域没有任何影响;以WHO安全标准衡量,在本洲岛的影响范围小于1万km2.同时通过实例讨论,强调了加强对核电站周边环境的日常监测,重视核电站周边放射性环境微小变化,是保障核安全的重要环节之一.最后介绍了大亚湾核电站周边水库水质重金属元素分析结果,并评价了核电站环境的安全性,指出具有好的安全保障体系的核能利用是清洁、环保的能源.     

Sensitivity analysis for the effects of meteorological and radioactive release conditions on radiation doses from nuclear power plant accidents

This paper briefly reviews several large-scale modeling systems for nuclear power plant accidents in the United States, and summarizes our recent modeling results for the effects of key meteorological conditions, radioactive release characteristics, and evacuation strategies on radiation doses. This work was intended to be useful in the formulation of emergency plans for nuclear power plant accidents. The sensitivity analyses establish a scale for comparing impacts at various locations and over time depending on the variation of those key parameters, and have clear implications for emergency planning.     

Use of transfer factors to characterize uptake of selenium by plants

The radioactive selenium isotope ⁷⁹Se can be a component of radioactive waste produced in nuclear power plants. The accidental release of ⁷⁹Se in the environment from power plants or nuclear waste repositories, and subsequent transfer of ⁷⁹Se into soils, plants and food chain, are relevant concerns in Europe. In environmental risk assessment models, the ability of plants to take up Se is often characterized by means of soil-to-plant transfer factors (TF). However, these recommendations take little or no account of the variability in plant Se accumulation among plant species and differences in Se distribution between plant parts. Also, such factors as soil type, form of Se, climatic conditions, as well as the chemical form in which Se is present in the soil, are not taken into consideration.     

青岛市地表天然放射性水平及其主控因素特征

通过对青岛市1500km^2范围内大密度土壤放射性核素（^238U、^232Th和^40K）和地表γ辐射测量,系统深入地研究了其放射性特征、分布规律及其影响因素。结果表明,青岛市土壤中核素^232Th和咏的放射性比活度偏高,而^238U偏低。地表γ辐射吸收剂量率（平均值91．87nGy·h^-1）略高于全国和世界平均值,研究发现地表93．14％的γ辐射来自地面放射性核素^238U、^232Th和^40K）的．γ辐射,其中^232Th和^40K的贡献占81．21％,是主要的贡献者。地质背景是影响地面γ辐射吸收剂量率的主要因素,燕山期各类花岗岩是导致青岛市区-王哥庄-带γ辐射吸收剂量率偏高的主要原因;同时环境因素（路面材料、地貌景观）对地表γ辐射吸收剂量率也存在一定影响。虽然研究区的γ辐射吸收剂量率较高,但其年有效剂量（0．56 mSv）远低于公众照射年剂量当量限值1.0 mSv,人居环境基本不受影响。     

Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas thermal power plants using life cycle approach

The importance of mitigation of climate change due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from various developmental and infrastructure projects has generated interest at global level to reduce environmental impacts. Life cycle assessment may be used as a tool to assess GHG emissions and subsequent environmental impacts resulting from electricity generation from thermal power plants. This study uses life cycle approach for assessing GHG emissions and their impacts due to natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) and imported coal thermal power plants using the IPCC 2001 and Eco-Indicator 99(H) methods in India for the first time. The total GHG emission from the NGCC thermal power plant was 584 g CO₂ eq/kWh electricity generation, whereas in case of imported coal, it was 1,127 g CO₂ eq/kWh electricity generation. This shows that imported coal has nearly ~2 times more impacts when compared to natural gas in terms of global warming potential and human health as disability-adjusted life years from climate change due to GHG emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O).     

Long-term risk assessment of possible accidental release of nuclear power plants in complex terrains with respect to synoptic weather patterns

This paper presents an integrated effort of a long-term risk analysis for the emergency response of nuclear power plants in complex terrains. Use of coupled source term, fate and transport, and exposure assessment models associated with eight synoptic weather patterns successfully provides timely and reasonably accurate long-range prognostic wind fields to simulate the possible exposure episodes and risk potential. The seamless integration of multi-scale simulation models in accordance with different release scenarios of process source term in the nuclear power plants permits the simulation of pollutant fate, transport, and deposition processes in multiple dimensions of atmospheric environment. With the aid of spatial analysis, the assessment of potential detrimental impacts for the accidental release of various nuclides from nuclear power plants becomes achievable. The practical implementation of this integrated modeling system was assessed by case studies at one existing nuclear power plant in southern Taiwan, China. Two- and three-dimensional fly-through visualization technologies make risk assessment practical and credible based on the differing weather patterns identified at the continental scale in advance.     

The importance of paleoseismology in seismic hazard studies for critical facilities

This paper is intended to provide a perspective on the use of paleoseismological studies in the seismic hazard assessment of critical facilities, such as dams, chemical/petrochemical facilities and nuclear power plants. In particular, the use of data obtained from paleoseismological studies for probabilistic seismic hazard analyses, when the required probabilities of exceedance are very low (e.g. 10^{− 6}–10^{− 7}) is considered. Recent revisions to the IAEA Safety Standards that provide guidance to Member States in their work related to the seismic safety of nuclear power plants are presented to illustrate the importance of this emerging discipline.