粗石英砂层厚度及倾角对核废物处置库顶盖毛细屏障效应的影响

毛细屏障作为核废物处置库顶盖的工程屏障之一,已经在国内外得到了广泛应用.采用箱体实验方法,研究了非饱和稳定流条件下粗石英砂层厚度和倾角对毛细屏障效应的影响.结果表明,随着粗石英砂层厚度的增大,水分的相对绕流量增大,毛细屏障效应增强;随着粗石英砂层倾角的增大,其表面积水减少,水的横向流动能力增强,毛细屏障效应增强.     

某地放射性废物处置工程及其效果评价

江苏省某经济开发区发现一历史遗存的放射性物质暂存库，经多方努力，该暂存库内的放射性废物得到有效处置。介绍了处置工程的各个主要环节及其效果，并对处置中可能存在的问题进行了讨论。     

核电厂低中放射性废物处置的管理体系

通过调研全面论述了核电厂运行过程中产生的低中水平放射性废物的处置与管理,包括国内外低中放射性废物处置的法律、法规,审管部门的职责,废物处置过程中的质量保证和公众参与以及废物处置的资金负担等。     

论江苏省城市放射性废物库的作用

介绍了江苏省城市放射性废物库的建设及其运行对环境的影响，论述了为确保全省核与辐射的安全，省城市放射性废物库发挥的重要作用。     

不同喷淋量对核废物处置库顶盖毛细屏障效应的实验研究

采用箱体实验方法,通过对粗-细砂交界面水分穿透量和绕流量的定量观测以及基质势的测定,模拟降雨条件,探讨了喷淋量分别为5、10、15、20、25mm/d时对核废物处置库顶盖(粗-细砂交界面)毛细屏障效应的影响。基质势的测定结果表明,在没有达到粗砂进水基质吸力之前,水分在粗-细砂交界面累积量增加并未及时发生横向流动;当交界面的基质吸力达到进水基质吸力后,穿透发生;此后交界面的基质势又很快减小,水分主要发生横向绕流。随着喷淋量的增大,对于粗-细砂交界面,无论是喷淋期间基质势的增加程度还是喷淋结束后基质势的降低程度都很明显;相比较而言,细砂层的基质势变化很小。水分相对绕流量测定结果表明,喷淋量不大于5mm/d时,不会发生穿透;随着喷淋量的增大,通过粗-细砂交界面的穿透量逐渐增大,而横向绕流量随之减小,当喷淋量达到25mm/d时,水分相对绕流量减少至39.7%。     

医疗废物处置单位运营存在的问题及对策

医疗废物污染防治是环境保护工作的重要组成部分,若医疗废物处置不当,将对水体、大气和土壤造成污染,甚至严重威胁人民群众身心健康.在“十一五”期间,中国投入了大量资金用于医疗废物处置设施建设,但大部分医疗废物处置单位的运营存在问题.介绍了医疗废物处置的背景,综合分析了问题产生的原因,提出了完善医疗废物管理的建议.     

医疗废物消毒集中处理工程技术规范修订思路及实施建议

高温蒸汽、微波消毒、化学消毒3项医疗废物消毒集中处理工程技术规范发布实施以来,对引导和规范我国医疗废物消毒集中处理工程建设和运行发挥了有益作用.然而,随着行业发展和技术升级,尤其是新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情发生之后,医疗废物处置行业面临新的挑战和机遇,医疗废物消毒集中处理工程的建设和运行也亟需与之匹配.在此背景下,修订后的高...     

日本放射性废物处理的现状和课题

放射性废物的处理问题,在原子能应用了四分之一世纪之后,已经提到日程上来了。日本政府在1980年夏天就有了向太平洋试验投放低能级放射性废物的打算。同年年底,原子能委员会的放射性废物对策部门还颁布了处理高能级放射性废物的方针。放射性废物是从原子能发电工艺产生的废物,对它的处理就意味着要把放射性毒性与人类的生活圈及生物圈隔离开。现在原子能工业最头痛的问题之一就是放射性的处理问题。现在采用的方法,或是弃于土壤中,或是弃于     

天津市医疗废物处置规划及策略研究

以天津市医疗废物管理现状为研究对象,对处置方式进行深入探讨,分析目前分散处置和集中处置存在的缺陷,提出"区域集中处置"设想;并运用模糊决策模型理论,建立较完善的处置方式评价指标体系,应用模糊综合评价模型得出"区域集中处置"是最佳的医疗废物处置方式,同时提出了相应的区域集中处置策略.     

重大疫情期间医疗废物应急处置中的问题及建议

医疗废物安全处置是阻断疫情蔓延的重要环节。重大疫情期间,由于医疗废物产生量急剧增加,常态下的医疗废物收集、转运、处置能力无法满足需要。通过分析我国医疗废物管理现状、重大疫情期间医疗废物产生特点,讨论疫情期间医疗废物应急处置存在的问题及原因,提出构建新的医疗废物处置模式、建立医疗废物应急处置制度体系、组建国家级和省级医疗废物应急机构、做好医疗废物应急处置设施备用工作等建议,为提升医疗废物应急处置能力提供参考,保障重大疫情期间医疗废物得到及时、安全处置。     

Improved interpretation of in-diffusion measurements with confined swelling clays

Diffusion is considered the principal transport mechanism of radio-nuclides and other low-molecular-weight pollutants in compacted clays used as barriers at various disposal and storage sites, for example, at projected deep repositories for radioactive waste. Porous filters are routinely used to confine swelling clays in diffusion studies of radio-tracers. The presence of the filter gives rise to considerable mass-transfer limitations at the clay boundary that result in erroneous diffusion parameters. We have solved the problem of in-diffusion with due account for this phenomenon by means of Fourier transforms. By using literature data on the in-diffusion of traces of radioactive cesium in an argillaceous rock (Opalinus clay) and a compacted bentonite (FEBEX bentonite), we have demonstrated that taking into account the mass-transfer limitations considerably improves the quality of the theoretical fit of the time evolution of radio-tracer concentration in the reservoir. Besides that, we have shown that ignoring the mass-transfer limitations leads to a noticeable underestimation of both the effective diffusion coefficient and the specific sorption capacity of the clay.     

Microbially mediated redox processes in natural analogues for radioactive waste

Natural analogues allow scientists to investigate biogeochemical processes relevant to radioactive waste disposal that occur on time scales longer than those that may be studied by time-limited laboratory experiments. The Palmottu U-Th deposit in Finland and the Bangombé natural nuclear reactor in Gabon involve the study of natural uranium, and are both considered natural analogues for subsurface radioactive waste disposal. The microbial population naturally present in groundwater may affect the redox conditions, and hence, the radionuclide solubility and migration. Therefore, groundwater samples from the two sites were investigated for microbial populations. The total numbers of cells ranged from 10(4) to 10(6) cells ml(-1). Iron-reducing bacteria (IRB) were the largest culturable microbial population in the Palmottu groundwater and were present at up to 1.3 x 10(5) cells ml(-1). Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and acetogens could also be cultured from the Palmottu groundwater. The numbers of IRB and SRB were largest in groundwater with the lowest uranium concentrations. Removal of dissolved U(VI) from solution was concomitant with the growth of IRB enrichment cultures and the reduction of iron. The redox buffer in the Palmottu groundwater consists of iron and uranium species, both of which are affected by IRB. IRB and aerobic heterotrophs were cultured from the Bangombé groundwater, where redox potentials are buffered by iron and organic carbon species. Microbial populations similar to those found at Palmottu and Bangombé are found throughout the Fennoscandian Shield, a potential host rock for subsurface radioactive waste disposal. These results confirm that microorganisms can be expected to play a role in stabilizing radioactive waste disposed of in the subsurface by lowering redox potential and immobilizing radionuclides.     

The potential of lichens as long-term biomonitors of natural and artificial radionuclides

Lichens were used as biomonitors of Chernobyl fallout 137Cs, of cosmogenic 7Be and of radioactive members of the natural uranium and thorium decay chains. Samples were taken from two locations in France, including lichens sampled at different distances of a coal fired power plant and close to a uranium ore processing waste disposal site. All samples were analyzed gamma-spectrometrically after equilibrium concentrations of short-lived isotopes had been attained. Activity concentrations of the members of the uranium and thorium decay chains in Parmelia sulcata sampled 1994 decrease with distance from the plant, whereas in lichens taken at the waste disposal site a decrease with time was observed. Comparison of 7Be activity concentrations measured in lichens with atmospheric deposition rates confirms that P. sulcata can be used as a quantitative biomonitor of radioactive trace substances. Retention half-lives calculated with a simple one-compartment model are 2.6 +/- 1.2 years for cesium, which was detected in all samples even more than a decade after the Chernobyl accident, and of 0.7 (+/- 0.1) to 3.3 (+/- 0.7) years for lead. Consequences of our results for model identifiability and parameter estimation of a two-compartment model are discussed.     

Modelling reactions between cement pore fluids and rock: implications for porosity change

The migration of groundwater equilibrated with cement from a deep geological disposal facility for radioactive wastes will perturb the chemical, minerological and physical properties of the geosphere in advance of the migration of radionuclides. Preliminary modelling of a simplified scenario has been conducted to assess these changes using appropriate data for mineral dissolution kinetics, the chemical composition of cement pore fluids, and the hydrogeological characteristics of fractured crystalline rock. Chemical exchanges between rock immediately adjacent to the engineered barriers of a waste disposal facility and pore fluids were evaluated using the speciation-reaction path code. which revealed rapid loss of Ca, and gains in Na and Si of the evolved fluids, with little change in pH. Secondary minerals show a sequence of calcium silicate hydrates, and zeolites. Precise definition of the overall mass balance is uncertain due to the absence of both thermodynamic data for many zeolites and kinetic data for the precipitation of feldspars. Modelling has demonstrated that reaction kinetics will be important in governing chemical exchanges for length scales up to 20 m. Radionuclide retardation will be enhanced by the growth of zeolites and calcium silicate hydrates.     

Geochemical evaluation of different groundwater-host rock systems for radioactive waste disposal

The geochemical suitability of a deep bedrock repository for radioactive waste disposal is determined by the composition of geomatrix and groundwater. Both influence radionuclide solubility, chemical buffer capacity and radionuclide retention. They also determine the chemical compatibility of waste forms, containers and backfill materials. Evaluation of different groundwater-host rock systems is performed by modeling the geochemical environments and the resulting radionuclide concentrations. In order to demonstrate the evaluation method, model calculations are applied to data sets available for various geological formations such as granite, clay and rocksalt. The saturation state of the groundwater-geomatrix system is found to be fundamental for the evaluation process. Hence, calculations are performed to determine if groundwater is in equilibrium with mineral phases of the geological formation. In addition, corrosion of waste forms in different groundwater is examined by means of reaction path modeling. The corrosion reactions change the solution compositions and pH, resulting in significant changes of radionuclide solubilities. The results demonstrate that geochemical modeling of saturation state and compatibility of the host formation environment with the radioactive waste proves to be a feasible tool for evaluation of various sites considered as deep underground repositories.     

Polymers as Solid Waste in Municipal Landfills

Abstract

Synthetic polymers reach municipal landfills as components of products such as waste household paints, packaging films, storage containers, carpet fibers, and absorbent sanitary products. Some polymers in consumer products that reach landfills are designed to photodegrade or biodegrade. This article examines the significance of degradable polymers in management of solid waste in municipal landfills. Most landfills are not designed to photodegrade or biodegrade solid waste. Landfill disposal of stable polymers such as polyacrylics and polyethylenes is not associated with significant polymer degradation or mobility. Stability to photodegradation and biodegradation is an advantage when municipal landfills are used for disposal of polymer products as solid waste. Use of landfill disposal can be a responsible means to manage polymer waste and can be part of an overall waste management plan which includes source reduction, recycling, reuse, composting, and waste-to-energy incineration.     

Geochemical evaluation of different groundwater–host rock systems for radioactive waste disposal

The geochemical suitability of a deep bedrock repository for radioactive waste disposal is determined by the composition of geomatrix and groundwater. Both influence radionuclide solubility, chemical buffer capacity and radionuclide retention. They also determine the chemical compatibility of waste forms, containers and backfill materials. Evaluation of different groundwater–host rock systems is performed by modeling the geochemical environments and the resulting radionuclide concentrations. In order to demonstrate the evaluation method, model calculations are applied to data sets available for various geological formations such as granite, clay and rocksalt.The saturation state of the groundwater–geomatrix system is found to be fundamental for the evaluation process. Hence, calculations are performed to determine if groundwater is in equilibrium with mineral phases of the geological formation. In addition, corrosion of waste forms in different groundwater is examined by means of reaction path modeling. The corrosion reactions change the solution compositions and pH, resulting in significant changes of radionuclide solubilities. The results demonstrate that geochemical modeling of saturation state and compatibility of the host formation environment with the radioactive waste proves to be a feasible tool for evaluation of various sites considered as deep underground repositories.     

Comprehensive evaluation of municipal garbage disposal in Changchun City by the strategic environmental assessment

Purpose

The environmental issues caused by the municipal solid waste disposal are becoming a worldwide concern.

Methods

We studied the situations both domestically and abroad by the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) approach and also conducted comprehensive evaluations of garbage disposal in Changchun City.

Results

On the basis of this study, we found that SEA is of great importance in the municipal solid waste disposal. Moreover, with the rapid socioeconomic development of Changchun City, municipal solid waste production increases on an annual basis, and thus, good waste management planning is of great significance.

Conclusions

Considering the situation of the economic development of Changchun City, garbage disposal was handled mainly in the major sanitary landfills with appropriate use of incineration technology. This plan is environmentally friendly at a relatively high degree and has met the requirements of minimum investment. It also takes into account the requirements of the development of incineration technology. Regarding environmental pollution in terms of groundwater pollution and atmospheric pollution, this plan is a feasible one by meeting various requirements with low environmental impact among the three plans discussed in this study.     

Modelling radionuclide distribution and transport in the environment

Mathematical models of radionuclide distribution and transport in the environment have been developed to assess the impact on people of routine and accidental releases of radioactivity from a variety of nuclear activities, including: weapons development, production, and testing; power production; and waste disposal. The models are used to estimate human exposures and doses in situations where measurements have not been made or would be impossible or impractical to make. Model results are used to assess whether nuclear facilities are operated in compliance with regulatory requirements, to determine the need for remediation of contaminated sites, to estimate the effects on human health of past releases, and to predict the potential effects of accidental releases or new facilities. This paper describes the various applications and types of models currently used to represent the distribution and transport of radionuclides in the terrestrial and aquatic environments, as well as integrated global models for selected radionuclides and special issues in the fields of solid radioactive waste disposal and dose reconstruction. Particular emphasis is placed on the issue of improving confidence in the model results, including the importance of uncertainty analysis and of model verification and validation.