Product Description
This volume provides a state-of-the-art report on the modelling of aqueous-solid solution systems by the combined use of chemical thermodynamics and experimental and computational techniques. These systems are ubiquitous in nature and therefore intrinsic to the understanding and quantification of radionuclide containment and retardation processes present in geological repositories of radioactive waste.Representative cases for study have been chosen from the radioactive waste literature to illustrate the application of the various approaches. This report has been prepared by a team of four leading experts in the field under the auspices of the OECD/NEA Thermochemical Database (TDB) Project. Table of Content :Part I. Extended Summary-Introduction: Scope, Objectives and the Audiene of guidelines -Definitions -From Aqueous to Solid Solutions -Basic Thermodynamics of Solid Solutions -Experimental and Analystical Aspects -Testing the Aq-SS Concepts and Methods in Nuclear Waste Management Relevant Systems -Report ConclusionsPart II. Theory, Experimental Aspects and Cases for Study-Theoretical Asptcts of Solid Solutions and their Solubility -Experimental and Analytical Aspects -Cases of Specific Interest in Relevant Systems Bibliography ... Read more

Product Description
Topics covered include: an overview of sources of radioactive waste; an introductionto radioactive decay and radiation shielding calculations; management and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste; low-level waste; transuranic waste; Uranium mill tailings; mixed waste; transportation of radioactive waste; decontamination and decommissioing of nuclear facilities; and environmental restoration.Technical and regulatory aspects of waste management are presented.Discussion questions at the end of each chapter provide an opportunity to explore the many facets of waste management issues.An extensive reference list at the end of each chapter retains the references from the first edition of the book and incorporates references used in preparing this revised text, giving the reader an opportunity to look at historical records as well as current information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Rad Waste Management
Decent book.Had to buy it for a course.Only used it for a few weeks. ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides a detailed understanding of the issues associated with these processes. The depth and breadth of the treatment is such that the book is suitable as a text book for graduate and post-graduate courses, and will also be useful to those involved in decommissioning projects and radioactive waste management practices, such as project managers, engineers, health physicists and regulators. Although decommissioning is percieved as the dismantling and demolition of existing facilities, the book demonstrates that there is more to it and there are challenging technical issues to face.

The book has been divided into three parts. Part I (Radiation Science) is the enabling part covering radiation, biological effects of radiation, radiological protection, and statistical methods. These subject matters are used and referred to throughout the rest of the book. Part II incorporates the whole aspect of decommissioning, project management, safety aspects, environmental impact assessment, decontamination and dismantling techniques etc. The last part includes radioactive waste management covering regulatory aspects, treatment and conditioning, storage and transportation, waste disposal etc. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book--right on the mark.
Nuclear Waste Stalemate is an excellent source on the history of the nuclear waste problem and why, after more than 30 years, it still has not been solved. I'm writing a new book that includes a chapter on nuclear waste, and I will be referencing this excellent book in that chapter and including it in my recommended reading list.
Thanks Mr. Vandenbosch.
Sallie J Ortiz

going nowhere fast
The nuclear power industry in the US and several other developed countries faces this crucial bottleneck, if it is ever to expand. How to resolve the problem of waste disposal.

The book explores the issues about current and proposed ideas for disposal. The most favoured appears to be shoving the detritus down a deep mine shaft in a geologically stable area. Like parts of Nevada. But that has been stymied by years of protests fromlocals. No one there seems anxious to sacrifice. The book is essentially about the waste problem in the US. Little discussion about elsewhere.

Looks like oil prices have to rise much further before nuclear power in the US gets more use. ... Read more

Product Description
In The Road to Yucca Mountain, J. Samuel Walker traces the U.S. government's tangled efforts to solve the technical and political problems associated with radioactive waste. From the Manhattan Project through the designation in 1987 of Yucca Mountain in Nevada as a high-level waste repository, Walker thoroughly investigates the approaches adopted by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). He explains the growing criticism of the AEC's waste programs, such as the AEC's embarrassing failure in its first serious effort to build a high-level waste repository in a Kansas salt mine. Clearly and accessibly, Walker explains the issues surrounding deep geological disposal and surface storage of high-level waste and spent reactor fuel. He analyzes the equally complex and divisive question of fuel "reprocessing." He weaves reliable research with fresh insights about nuclear science, geology, politics, and public administration, making this original and authoritative account an essential guide for understanding the continuing controversy over an illusive and emotional topic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Outstanding Work on the Policy History of Nuclear Waste
This is a very fine book by the longstanding historian of Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It investigates in a comprehensive manner the efforts of the United States to deal with radioactive waste, a key bugaboo in the debate over nuclear energy. Walker explores the evolution of how the government has tried to deal with this issue from the time of the Manhattan Project in World War II through the designation in 1987 of Yucca Mountain in Nevada as a waste repository. Walker's focus is on the approach overseen by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), but goes beyond that to include perspectives outside the government, especially interest groups and protest movements.

The growing criticism of these waste programs provides a major engine for moving the story forward, and this is far from a pro-government whitewash. For instance, Walker writes about several embarrassing episodes in this arena. Solidly researched and effectively written, he makes an original and insightful contribution to understanding this important story. Nuclear energy will certainly reemerge in the twenty-first century to help offset energy needs in the United States and this work provides an important record of what has gone before as well as a public policy primer for future leaders.

It is certainly appropriate that this book received the Richard W. Leopold Prize of the Organization of American Historians at its 2010 meeting. ... Read more

Product Description

The book describes and assesses current concepts for long-term disposal of highly radioactive waste. Different types of rock are discussed and assessed with respect to practical difficulties in the construction of a repository, and the efficiency of isolating radioactive waste. Safety matters are most important and are treated in the respective chapters and in a final, conclusive chapter. Cost issues and related quality matters are discussed for the case of constructing a virgin repository and repositories in the form of converted abandoned mines.

Product Description
This handbook is concerned with developing principles and standards for the safe disposal of solid radioactive wastes by burial deep in the Earth's crust. Radioactive wastes have focussed thinking on long-term environmental protection issues in an unprecedented way. Consequently, the way in which principles and standards are set, and the thinking behind this, is of wider interest than to the nuclear field alone. The issues are not just technical and scientific. There is also a much wider philosophical context to the debate, centering on ethics, human values and the expectations of society.

In this handbook it is intended that all theses issues are brought together, suggesting appropriate ways forward in each area, culminating in a proposed structure for safety regulations. It also aims to provide a detailed discussion of some of the most difficult logical an ethical issues facing those wishing to dispose of long-lived radioactive wastes.
... Read more

Product Description
The subject of nuclear power is fraught with controversy, and it is often discussed with an inadequate understanding of the science behind today's reactor technology.This book covers the entire nuclear fuel cycle, from mining uranium ore to disposal of radioactive wastes.It is intended for a broad audience of nonspecialist readers.Basic principles are fully explained, and topics such as environmental radioactivity--both naturally occurring and man-made--and safety issues are explored.Anyone interested in the operation of today's nuclear power-generating plants will want to have a copy of this informative volume. ... Read more

Product Description
Today, the world faces two major problems: potential scarcity of energy and the pollution of the environment.How countries handle these problems can impact the quality of life for their citizens, their environment, and their economic prosperity.One answer to these problems may be nuclear power; currently, there are over 400 nuclear reactors operating in the world, with 109 of those in the United States.But, what is to be done with the spent nuclear fuel and other wastes created by nuclear power?Approval for new nuclear electric plants and continued use of existing ones may depend on safely disposing of these dangerous wastes.In making decisions about power plants, it is important that citizens and lawmakers know the nature of the waste problem and be able to distinguish opinions, feelings, and myths from the facts.

Unfortunately, much of what is written is rhetoric intended to frighten or soothe.There is a wealth of technical literature, but it is often written in highly complex technical terms.Reports on plans and progress are in formal government-ese, making them hard to translate into plain English.In this new edition of Understanding Radioactive Waste, Dr. Raymond Murray explains clearly the origin and nature of nuclear by-products; provides facts and figures about nuclear wastes and the actions being planned on a national basis; provides perspective on the safety of waste isolation systems; and distinguishes knowledge from opinion whenever possible, in an unbiased and candid manner.

The author rejects exaggerated statements about the waste problem at both poles of the debate -- assertions by proponents that it is merely a matter of politics, by opponents that a technical solution is impossible.

This book -- through its straightforward writing and informative illustrations -- helps you understand such nuclear topics as uranium, radioactivity, radiation, and fission, along with the role of materials, chemical processes, and geology in the treatment and long-term handling of wastes.In addition, the human side of radioactive waste, from the biological impacts to the societal attitudes, are covered.

A proven textbook and resource, this latest edition of Understanding Radioactive Waste provides new information on transportation of spent fuel and other nuclear wastes; high-level radioactive waste regulations; licensing of the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada; and protecting nuclear facilities against terrorist attacks.

Dr. Murray believes that an informed public makes the best decisions.Read Understanding Radioactive Waste, and be informed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Understanding Radioactive Waste
This is an excellent book for those who are new to the concept's of radioactive waste and management.It not only include's information related to the types of hazardous waste, but also includes law and future projections on the subject matter. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in this subject. ... Read more

Product Description
Many books have been written on hazardous waste and nuclear waste separately, but none have combined the two subjects into one single-volume resource. Hazardous and Radioactive Waste Treatment Technologies Handbook covers the technologies, characteristics, and regulation of both hazardous chemical wastes and radioactive wastes. It provides an overview of recent waste technologies.A reference for scientists and engineers, the handbook focuses on waste-related thermal and non-thermal technologies, separation techniques, and stabilization technologies. It includes information on the DOE and DOD waste matrix located at various sites. It reveals current R&D activities in each technology and what improvements can be made in the future. A detailed schematic diagram illustrates each technology so that the process can be explicitly understood. In addition, the handbook covers relative life-cycle cost estimates for treatment systems using various technologies.With contributions from an international panel and extensively peer-reviewed, Hazardous and Radioactive Waste Treatment Technologies Handbook provides the latest information on waste remediation technologies and related regulations. Often in the field you will encounter more than one type of hazardous waste. This handbook gives you the design information you need to decide which technology to use and how to design the equipment for your particular needs. You can then incorporate appropriate technologies into a mixed waste treatment system. ... Read more

Product Description
This book presents a critical review of designing, siting, constructing and demonstrating the safety and environmental impact of deep repositories for radioactive wastes. It is structured to provide a broad perspective of this multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary topic: providing enough detail for a non-specialist to understand the fundamental principles involved and with extensive references to sources of more detailed information.

Emphasis is very much on "deep" geological disposal - at least some tens of metres below land surface and, in many cases, many hundred of metres deep. Additionally, only radioactive wastes are considered directly - even though such wastes often contain also significant chemotoxic or otherwise hazardous components. Many of the principles involved are generally applicable to other repository options (e.g. near-surface or on-surface disposal) and, indeed, to other types of hazardous waste.

* Presents a current critical review in designing, siting, constructing and demonsrating the safety and environmental impact of deep repositories for radwaste
* Addresses the fundamental principles of radioactive waste with up-to-date examples and real-world case studies
* Written for a multi-disciplinary audience, with an appropriate level of detail to allow a non-specialist to understand ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Methods of Storage/Disposal of Radioactive Waste: An Overview
This anthology of articles is quite comprehensive for its small size. Each article has a large bibliography for further study. A nation-by-nation survey of radwaste-disposal methods is elaborated. Costs are included.

There is a good introduction to the sources of radioactivity and its classification, the main radioactive isotopes responsible, relative volumes of wastes per waste-classification category, etc.A brief history of radwaste disposal is given. Then attention is devoted to the enclosure of radwastes in ostensibly leak-proof containers, in ostensibly water-proof geologic sites (e. g., abandoned salt mines), etc. There is discussion of the storage of radwastes in such things as boreholes, previously-molten rock, etc.

Some visionary proposals are mentioned. The impracticality of laser-induced destruction of radioactive isotopes is vividly demonstrated. Disposal of radwastes into outer space is contemplated, and shown to be impractical--apart from being risky.

A major political factor in radwaste disposal has come to be known as the NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) syndrome, although the authors do not use this term to describe it (pp. 228-229). It is difficult to convince people that a local accumulation of radwaste is not dangerous and that it is immobile. Part of the problem is that laypersons do not understand the mathematical models of radwaste repository behavior and how they predict the immobility of radwastes over long periods of time.
... Read more

Product Description

One of the principal objections to or problems with the use of nuclear fuel is that a proven method for safe disposal of spent nuclear fuel has yet to be established. The central focus of most schemes underway to dispose of these high-level radioactive wastes relies on clay-based buffers and barriers to isolate spent fuel canisters in boreholes deep underground in specially constructed tunnels and caverns.

Current thought on the principal methods of containment of high-level radioactive wastes is presented in this book. The authors proceed to discuss the processes and mechanisms involved in the development of long term properties and performance of clay-based buffers and backfills. The procedures and methodologies used to undertake predictions and performance assessments of these materials are also examined.

This is an invaluable reference for professionals, researchers, academics and regulators engaged in the development of radioactive waste sites.

Product Description
Poison in the Well provides a balanced look at the policy decisions, scientific conflicts, public relations strategies, and the myriad mishaps and subsequent cover-ups that were born out of the dilemma of where to house deadly nuclear materials. Hamblin traces the development of the issue in Western countries from the end of World War II to the blossoming of the environmental movement in the early 1970s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

God Help Us All
Having grown up in the span of time covered in this book,(and not paying much attention), I found myself often aghast at the waste disposal practices and the decisions made by the corporate "they" who determine our fate.Green devotees will be appalled to learn the global history of cavalier dumping of toxic waste into our waterways.This is not a sensational expose, but rather a well researched, extremely well-written illumination of what was going on with regard to radioactive waste in the beginning years of our modern nuclear age.It should be required reading for all environmental studies.

Game Over
Unequivocally, the most depressing book on Amazon. The most damning critique of industrialization. How anyone could have been stupid enough to dump tons of nuclear waste into the Baltic and waterways emptying into the Atlantic has got to be the terminal rhetorical question we will never live to answer.I feel sick simply looking at this heavily documented tome. Yes. This mess really did happen. Who can help us? ... Read more

Product Description
Recent legislation requires that all states makes provisions for the disposal of their low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) by 1993. This comprehensive new reference on LLRW serves as an important step towards helping them comply with these strict regulations. Accessible to non-experts, "Low-Level Radioactive Waste" examines the sources of LLRW, the history of LLRW disposal, current management and disposal alternatives (including all of the latest technical methods), and future trends in waste disposal. It addresses the risks and "cradle to grave" liabilities associated with LLEW and how our society has responded to this increasing threat and related issues. Although the chapters are integrated, they can be read independently as essays with documentation on specific subtopics. In addition, an appendix contains an extensive glossary for non-technical readers, a question-and-answer section (useful to government agencies and private organizations involved in LLRW disposal)."Low-Level Radioactive Waste" should prove useful to professionals who must understand the nature and hazards of LLRW, especially to those individuals who are researching, evaluating or developing the multiple LLRW disposal sites that must be in place by 1993. This book should be of interest to professionals involved in environmental health, waste disposal. ... Read more

Product Description
Decommissioning nuclear facilities is a relatively new field, which has developed rapidly in the last ten years. It involves materials that may be highly radioactive and therefore require sophisticated methods of containment and remote handling.The wastes arising from decommissioning are hazardous and have to be stored or disposed of safely in order to protect the environment and future generations.Nuclear decommissioning work must be carried out to the highest possible standards to protect workers, the general public and the environment. This book describes the techniques used for dismantling redundant nuclear facilities, the safe storage of radioactive wastes and the restoration of nuclear licensed sites.

* Describes the techniques used for dismantling nuclear facilities, safe storage of radioactive wastes, and the restoration of nuclear licensed facilities.
* Provides the reader with decommissioning experience accumulated over 15 years by UKAEA.
* Contains valuable information to personnel new to decommissioning and waste management. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nuclear Decommissiuoning...
The book, as is the University of Birmingham Postgraduate course on which it is based, is unique in bringing together material over the whole range of waste management, decommissioning and site remediation.It is essential reading for postgraduate students in this area, regulators, environmentalists and government agencies.It provides a basic understanding of the key principles, methodologies and current best practice.This well presented book contains 25 chapters under 5 broad headings: Fundamentals, Decommissioning, Project and program management, Waste management, and Site environmental remediation.There are numerous tables, figures and illustrations. Highly recommended.I have 2 copies for home and work! ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's large-scale digitization efforts. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. The Library also understands and values the usefulness of print and makes reprints available to the public whenever possible. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found in the HathiTrust, an archive of the digitized collections of many great research libraries. For access to the University of Michigan Library's digital collections, please see http://www.lib.umich.edu and for information about the HathiTrust, please visit http://www.hathitrust.org ... Read more