• UGI USER
  • Mar 13, 2024
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HOW IS NUCLEAR WASTE GENERATED?

Why in the news?

Nuclear waste management, including handling, storage, and disposal, raises concerns amid advancements in India’s nuclear power program.

source:themirror

About Nuclear Waste Generation:

  • Nuclear waste is produced in fission reactors when atoms of certain elements are bombarded by neutrons, leading to the destabilisation and breakdown of nuclei.
  • This process yields energy along with the creation of radioactive fission products, which constitute nuclear waste.
  • The spent fuel from reactors contains radioactive elements produced during energy production and conversion of uranium, necessitating proper waste management.
About Radioactive Waste Management Overview:

●  Radioactive waste arises from industrial processes, notably nuclear power generation, requiring special handling and disposal procedures to mitigate its hazardous effects.

●  Objective: Minimise environmental and health impacts by reducing radiation exposure.

Types of Radioactive Waste:

●  Low-Level Waste (LLW): Low radioactivity, easy disposal.

●  Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW): Higher radioactivity, requires shielding.

●  High-Level Waste (HLW): Most radioactive, needs cooling, and special handling