Eastern Altantic fracture zones as potential disposal sites for radioactive waste

Disposal of radioactive waste in the sea floor of fracture zones associated with the flanks of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge may be a satisfactory alternative to land disposal. Effective physiographic, sedimentary, chemical, and oceanographic barriers exist in these aseismic deep canyons, especially in the eastern Atlantic. In addition, the major producers of radioactive wastes are likely to be near the Atlantic Ocean. If such a disposal strategy is adopted, intensive study of the sedimentologic and oceanographic properties of oceanic fracture zones will be necessary.     

Aqueous geochemistry of radioactive waste disposal

Present plans for disposing of high-level radioactive waste include converting it to a stable solid form, enclosing it in metal canisters, placing the canisters in mined cavities several hundred meters below the surface, and filling and sealing all entries to the cavities. The chief hazard in such disposal is dissolution of radionuclides from the waste in the ground water that will eventually fill the cavity and may carry the dissolved material to surface environments. To prevent or delay release of radionuclides in this manner, the form of the waste must be made as insoluble as possible, the canister metal must be resistant to corrosion, both the cavity filling and surrounding rock must be impermeable and highly sorbent, and the repository must be located at a site where ground water is scanty and slow-moving and its path to the ground surface is long. The effectiveness of these barriers in isolating the waste can be predicted for long times in the future by models based on experimentally determined solubilities and sorption coefficients and on measured rates of ground-water movement. Much uncertainty is involved in such predictions, and additional research is needed to lower the uncertainty. But there seems little question that a well-located and well-engineered repository of this sort will provide adequate protection against harm from radioactive releases far into the future.     

An innovative hydrogeologic setting for disposal of low-level radioactive wastes

A natural unique hydrogeological setting favorable for safe and economical disposal of low-level radioactive wastes occurs in the flat hinterland of southeastern North Carolina. The uniqueness results partly from the absence of vertical and horizontal groundwater gradients, representing a nonflow, or null, zone. The null setting is localized to key horizons 30 to 75 feet below land surface and to areas where glauconitic sandy clays of the Peedee Formation lie under less than 25 feet of surficial sandy clays; the Peedee contains nearly stagnant brackish groundwater slightly below the proposed disposal zone.Issues to overcome include: (1) demonstrating better combined safety and economical features over conventional and prescribed settings, (2) dewatering the low-permeability disposal zone for the 20-year operational period, and (3) changing rules to allow disposal slightly below the zone in which the normal water table occurs.Favorable site characteristics of the key setting are: (1) no major aquifer to contaminate, (2) no surface streams or lakes to contaminate, (3) optimal ion exchange and sorptive capacity (clay and glauconite pellets), (4) no appreciable or distinctive vertical and horizontal gradients, (5) no elongated contaminated plume to develop, (6) no surface erosion, (7) a capable setting for injection of potential contaminated water into deep brackish water wells, if needed and allowed, (8) minimum problems of the overfilled bathtub effect, (9) no apparent long-term harmful environmental impact (normal water table would be restored after the 20-year period), (10) relatively inexpensive disposal (engineered barriers not needed and desired), (11) simple and relatively inexpensive monitoring, (12) large tracts of land likely available, and (13) sparse population.In spite of legal and political obstacles to shallow land burial, the null setting described is a capable hydrogeological host to contain low-level radioactive wastes. The setting may have safety and economic advantages over selected sites in eastern North America and over innovative technological experiences in Europe.     

中国高放废物处置库选址中灵敏地质特征的初步确认

本文首先根据中国、瑞士和日本3国高放废物处置概念的相似性，建立中国第一处置库系统性能评价模型；然后通过对9个地质变量在8个事件中的灵敏度分析，初步确认出3个灵敏地质物征。此项研究对中国目前高放废物处置库选址工作有一定的指导意义。     

Three-dimensional analysis of groundwater flow in neogene rocks at the Rokkasho low-level radioactive waste disposal center, Japan

As a preliminary step for predicting groundwater flow in a plateau 30–50 m above sea level, a model for three-dimensional analysis of groundwater flow was formulated and its validity was verified. The plateau consists of Neogene sedimentary rocks and a Quaternary deposit. Most of the groundwater originates in precipitation, with the groundwater table lying in the Quaternary deposit. Steady-state analysis was conducted by using the finite element method. The results of pore-water pressure measurement and water examination were useful in verifying the validity of the model. In constructing the model, reducing the hydraulic conductivity according to the depth on the basis of the results of the actual measurement was important.     

Liner design for waste disposal sites

 Since the beginning of the 1980s waste disposal has become a particularly sensitive issue. This has led to the development of new legislations in the European Community and internationally which resulted in an array of regulations concerning landfill liner design. This paper comments on different "engineered" containment methods with particular reference to landfill liner design. Suggestions based on the review of the different methodologies are given and a case study is presented. Received: 25 February 1997 · Accepted: 16 December 1997     

Contaminant migration at two low-level radioactive waste sites in arid western United States – A review

 Contamination of the unsaturated zone and ground water at the Beatty, Nevada and Richland, Washington low-level radioactive waste sites shows that pathways exist for rapid lateral and vertical migration of contaminants through unconsolidated clastic sediments that comprise the 100 m-thick unsaturated zones of those arid disposal sites. Disposal of liquid wastes at the Beatty site until 1975 may have contributed to rapid migration of contaminants, but negligible amounts of liquid wastes reportedly were disposed at the Richland LLRW site and similar problems of contaminant migration exist. Pathways for vertical migration in the unsaturated zone include fractures and, at Richland, clastic dikes; lateral migration pathways likely are facies-controlled. Disturbance of the disposal sites contributed to increased infiltration of the unlined waste trenches after closure; simulations that used Beatty sample data show dramatic increases in recharge with disturbances necessary to develop the site. Because neither an arid climate nor presence of a thick unsaturated zone offer effective barriers to ground-water contamination, reliance on those factors at proposed sites such as Ward Valley, California and elsewhere is unwarranted. Received: 4 February 1998 · Accepted: 4 May 1998     

Subterranean microorganisms and radioactive waste disposal in Sweden

In 1987, microbiology became a part of the Swedish scientific program for the safe disposal of high level nuclear waste (HLW). The goal of the microbiology program is to understand how subterranean microorganisms will interact with the performance of a future HLW repository. The Swedish research program on subterranean microbiology has mainly been performed at two sites in granitic rock aquifers at depths ranging from 70 m down to 1240 m, the Stripa research mine in the middle of Sweden and the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory (HRL) situated on the south eastern coast of Sweden. Some work has also been performed in cooperation with other national or international research groups in Sweden, Canada and at the natural analogue sites Oklo in Gabon and Maqarin in Jordan. The following conclusions are drawn. There is a very high probability of the existence of a deep subterranean biosphere in granitic rock. The documented presence of a deep biosphere implies that relevant microbial reactions should be included in the performance assessment for a HLW repository. A HLW repository will be situated in a subterranean biosphere that is independent of solar energy and photosynthetically produced organic carbon. The ultimate limitation for an active microbial life will be the availability of hydrogen as energy source over time, and hydrogen has indeed been found in most deep groundwaters. Sulphide producing microorganisms are active in environments typical for a Swedish HLW repository, and the potential for microbial corrosion of the copper canisters must be considered. The bentonite buffer around the copper canisters will be a hostile environment for most microbes due to the combination of radiation, heat and low water availability. Discrete microbial species can cope with each of these constraints, and it is theoretically possible that sulphide producing microbes may be active inside a buffer, although the experiments conducted thus far have shown the opposite. Microorganisms have the capability to enzymatically recombine radiolysis oxidants formed by radiation of water. It has earlier been concluded that the migration of radionuclides due to sorption on microorganisms can be neglected. The influence of microbially produced complexing agents remains to be studied at realistic conditions in deep groundwater. Microorganisms have been found in natural alkaline groundwaters, but it could not be conclusively demonstrated that they were in situ viable and growing, rather than just transported there from neutral groundwater. A possible hypothesis based on the obtained results from investigations of natural alkaline groundwaters is that fresh concrete may be a bit too extreme for active life even for the most adaptable microbe – but this remains to be demonstrated.     

Long-term prediction for seismic hazard for radioactive waste disposal

We consider possible approaches to the long-term prediction for seismic hazard in relation to the practical need for the safety of geological disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. The required period of prediction significantly exceeds the one reflected in the set of maps of General Seismic Zoning of the territory of the Russian Federation (GSZ-97). The first geological repository in Russia is planned to be set up in the Nizhnii Kan granite massif in the Krasnoyarsk Krai. This region is an intraplate territory with a relatively high seismic activity. We summarize the analysis of the known empirical generalizations and theoretical principles underlying the seismic hazard prediction. Real seismic events constantly violate forward-looking statements even for relatively short periods of time. These and other arguments suggest that the hypothesis of stationarity of the seismic regime, which is the basis of long-term prediction today, has limited and uncertain applicability in time. Intraplate earthquake prediction is especially uncertain because of the uncertainty in the factor responsible for generating tectonic stresses in these regions. The short horizon of the prediction, based on statistical methods, can be attributed to the nonlinearity of seismic geodynamic processes. Fundamental laws of tectonic processes should be used as the scientific basis for long-term predictions for seismic hazard at the sites chosen for geological disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. These processes can be reflected in models for the migration of the seismically active boundaries of lithospheric plates and the occurrence of seismic activity in intraplate regions.     

A model approach to radioactive waste disposal at Sellafield

One of the great environmental problems of our age is the safe disposal of radioactive waste for geological time periods. Britain is currently investigating a potential site for underground burial of waste, near the Sellafield nuclear plant. Future leakage of radionuclides depends greatly on subsurface water flows; these must be understood from the past, to predict hydrogeology 10⁴–10⁵ years into the future. We have taken information from the present-day, published by the government company Nirex, and used a finite-element steady-state fluid flow computer code to examine water flows in the subsurface. We find that flow directions at the planned Repository are persistently upwards, and that geologically significant flow rates could occur. How rates are particularly sensitive to uncertainties of rock permeability (conductivity) measurements made from site investigation boreholes. The hydrogeology at this site needs longer term investigation before a confident and credible prediction can be made.     

极低放射性废物地质处置中的几个问题

极低放废物是国际上近年来新提出的一种放射性废物,目前尚未形成公认的定义和处置方案。针对地质填埋中几个关键科学问题进行了初步探讨,涉及到的内容主要包括区域地壳的稳定性、基础地质条件、水文地质条件、地球化学条件、地质灾害、安全评价等方面,最后提出了今后几个重要的研究方向。     

极低放射性废物地质处置中的几个问题

极低放废物是国际上近年来新提出的一种放射性废物,目前尚未形成公认的定义和处置方案。针对地质填埋中几个关键科学问题进行了初步探讨,涉及到的内容主要包括区域地壳的稳定性、基础地质条件、水文地质条件、地球化学条件、地质灾害、安全评价等方面,最后提出了今后几个重要的研究方向。     

System reliability analysis for near-surface radioactive waste disposal facilities

The low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes are generally disposed in near-surface disposal facility (NSDF). The NSDF is composed of engineered barriers. The probabilistic safety assessment model has been developed to analyse the performance of NSDF. The endpoints of the assessment are the concentration of the radionuclide in the groundwater and the corresponding dose rate of the radionuclide. The barrier system can have multiple failure modes but practically the possible failure modes are failure of top cover, failure of waste container, degradation of waste form and failure of bottom cover, which are usually considered as independent failure events. Through a sensitivity analysis, the most critical parameters affecting the design reliability for failure criteria are identified as the groundwater velocity and distribution coefficient. The study shows that for the NSDF considered, there is a high degree of dependence between the failure modes, and demonstrates the probability of the simultaneous occurrence of failures. Thus, the need to consider the system reliability in the NSDF is highlighted. The study also advocates the use of optimisation techniques to evaluate the probability of failure, which provides a better estimate of the probability of failure, as validated from the results obtained from Monte Carlo simulations.     

Thermal impact of waste emplacement and surface cooling associated with geologic disposal of high-level nuclear waste

This article is a study of the thermal effects associated with the emplacement of aged radioactive high-level wastes in a geologic repository, with emphasis on the following subjects: waste characteristics, repository structure, and rock properties controlling the thermally induced effects; thermal, thermomechanical, and thermohydrologic impacts, determined mainly on the basis of previous studies that assume 10-yr-old wastes; thermal criteria used to determine the repository waste loading densities; and technical advantages and disadvantages of surface cooling of the wastes prior to disposal as a means of mitigating the thermal impacts. Waste loading densities determined by repository designs for 10-yr-old wastes are extended to older wastes using the near-field thermomechanical criteria based on room stability considerations. Also discussed are the effects of long surface cooling periods determined on the basis of far-field thermomechanical and thermohydrologic considerations. Extension of the surface cooling period from 10 yr to longer periods can lower the near-field thermal impact but have only modest long-term effects for spent fuel. More significant long-term effects can be achieved by surface cooling of reprocessed high-level waste.     

Subseabed disposal of radioactive waste: effects of consolidational fluid flow

Subseabed disposal of radioactive waste applies a multiple-barrier concept with the sediment being the most important barrier for preventing a release of nuclides into the biosphere. While many investigations have been carried out to analyze the risk potential in this type of disposal, the effects of sediment consolidation and associated fluid flow have not fully been taken into consideration. Here, possible effects of consolidational fluid flow in the penetrator disposal option and possible consequences to the transport of nuclides in the sediment are analyzed. Results of numerical experiments demonstrate that consolidation contributes to the transport of radioactive nuclides released from containers buried in the sediment and to the release of nuclides at the sediment-water interface. Both depend on geological conditions and to a large extent on possible alterations of hydraulic conductivity i of the sediment in the vicinity of the entry path of a penetrator.Symbols c concentration ml m^–3 - c _a concentration of adsorbed solute mg kg^–1 (relative to dry weight of sorbing substance) - c _in solute concentration of source q mg m^–3 - c ₀ initial concentration mg m^–3 - ID dispersion tensorm ²s^–1 - ID ^* diffusion tensor m²s^–1 - D coefficient of dispersion m²s^–1 - d ₀ coefficient of molecular diffusion m²s^–1 - d coefficient of effective diffusion m²s^–1 - g gravity m²s^–1 - h piezometric pressure m - k hydraulic conductivity m²s^–1 - m mass kg - p pressure Pa - q source/sink m³s^–1 - S ₀ specific surface m²m^–3 - t time s - v velocity m s^–1 - x, z cartesian coordinates m - compressibiliy of sediment m²N^–1 - _L longitudinal dispersivity m - effective porosity (decimal fraction) - density kg m^–3 - _s density of sediment kg m^–3 - _w density of water kg m^–3 - decay constant per s - kinematic viscosity m²s^–1     

Genesis and continuity of quaternary sand and gravel in glacigenic sediment at a proposed low-level radioactive waste disposal site in east-central Illinois

The Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety has characterized the Martinsville Alternative Site (MAS) for a proposed low-level radioactive waste disposal facility. The MAS is located in east-central Illinois approximately 1.6 km (1 mi) north of the city of Martinsville. Geologic investigation of the 5.5-km² (1380-acre) site revealed a sequence of chiefly Illinoian glacigenic sediments from 6 to 60 m (20–200 ft) thick overlying two major bedrock valleys carved in Pennsylvanian strata. Relatively permeable buried units include basal, preglacial alluvium; a complex of intraglacial and subglacial sediment; englacial deposits; and supraglacial fluvial deposits. Postglacial alluvium underlies stream valleys on and adjacent to the site. In most areas, the buried sand units are confined by low-permeability till, lacustrine sediment, colluvium, and loess. The distribution and thickness of the most extensive and continuous buried sand units have been modified considerably by subglacial erosion, and their distributions have been influenced by the buried bedrock valleys. The most continuous of the various sand units were deposited as preglacial and postglacial alluvium and are the uppermost and lowermost stratigraphic units at the alternative site. Sand units that were deposited in englacial or ice-marginal environments are less continuous. Aquifer pumping tests, potentiometric head data, and groundwater geochemistry analyses indicate minimal interaction of groundwater across localized interconnections of the permeable units.     

西北某放射性废物处置预选区地下水水化学特征及地球化学模拟

在放射性废物处置库的选址过程中,地下水水化学特征是最重要的因素之一。为了查明西北某放射性废物处置预选区地下水水化学特征及其演化机制,对该区地下水水样进行了水质测试,综合运用Piper三线图法、相关性分析、饱和指数模拟和质量平衡反应模拟,全面分析了该预选区地下水水化学类型的空间分布和地下水水演化的主要水文化学过程。结果表明:研究区地下水在北部山区接受补给,并向南运移,地下水类型随径流由SO4.Cl—Na型转变为Cl.SO4—Na型。地下水在径流过程中主要经历了溶滤作用、蒸发浓缩作用和阳离子交换作用等水文化学过程,它们是控制该区地下水水化学组分演化的关键。     

高放废物地质处置库选址中的水文地质调查

本文根据国内外研究经验,讨论了高放废物地质处置库选址中水文地质调查的目的、过程、方法和作用,同时对水文地质参数的获取进行了阐述,旨在为今后研究工作提供参考。     

区域地壳稳定性评价和核电站选址核废料处置的工程地质及环境地质问题

本文较全面地讨论了重大工程选址的区域地壳稳定性评价研究在我国的发展动态，简述了核电站选址和核废料处置的工程地质及环境地质问题，对工程建设后地质环境的稳定性或敏感性给予了关注。