Research on uranium deposits as analogies of radioactive waste repositories
The disposal of highly radioactive waste deep underground in suitable geological formations is proposed by many countries to protect public health and safety. The study of natural analogies of nuclear waste repositories is one method of validating mathematical models and assuring that a proposed repository site and design will be safe. Since 1981, the AAEC has studied the major uranium deposits in the Alligator Rivers region of the Northern Territory of Australia as natural analogues of radioactive waste repositories. Results have been obtained on the following: (1) the migration of uranium, thorium and radium isotopes, (2) the behavior of naturally occurring levels of selected fission products and transuranium nuclides, e.g. technetium-99, iodine-129 and plutonium-239; (3) the role of specific minerals in retarding migration, and (4) the importance of colloidal material, in the migration of thorium. The AAEC has initiated a wider international project entitled The Alligator Rivers Analogue Project which will enable participating organizations to obtain additional results and to apply them in modeling, planning and regulating waste repositories.
- Research Organization:
- Australian Atomic Energy Commission, Menai
- OSTI ID:
- 6018870
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-870905-
- Journal Information:
- Trans. Am. Nucl. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 56:1; Conference: 6. Pacific Basin nuclear conference, Beijing, China, 7 Sep 1987
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Radionuclide migration around uranium ore bodies: Analogue of radioactive waste repositories: Annual report for 1984-1985
Radionuclide migration around uranium ore bodies: analogue of radioactive waste repositories. Annual report, July 1982-June 1983
Related Subjects
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
AUSTRALIA
DESIGN
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLANNING
RADIUM
SAFETY
THORIUM
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
ACTINIDES
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
AUSTRALASIA
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
MANAGEMENT
MASS TRANSFER
MATERIALS
METALS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
052002* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage