Selection of Key Radionuclides for P&T Based on Radiological Impact Assessment for the Deep Geological Disposal of Spent PWR/CANDU/DUPIC Fuels

Selection of Key Radionuclides for P&T Based on Radiological Impact Assessment for the Deep Geological Disposal of Spent PWR/CANDU/DUPIC Fuels

When it is assumed that PWR, CANDU and DUPIC spent fuels are disposed of in deep geological repository, consequent annual individual doses are calculated, and it is shown that doses meet the regulatory limit. From these results, the hazardous radionuclides applicable to partitioning and transmutation are selected. These selected radionuclides such as Tc-99, Ⅰ-129, Cs-135 and Np-237 are then reviewed in terms of partitioning and transmutation. Separation of I-129, Np-237 and Tc-99 from spent fuels is considered desirable, and transmutation of these radionuclides results in remarkable hazard reduction. However, it is concluded that separation and transmutation of Cs-135 may be ineffective although it is classified into a hazardous radionuclide.