Review of Fuel Management practices at various stages of nuclear fuel cycle in PHWRs in view of Environmental effects

Nuclear Power is emerging as a promising source of environmentally benign energy source alternate from both pollution free environment as well as solution to global warming because of minimal carbon footprint. However, release of radiation and radioactive contamination during fuel cycle operations comprising the optimum fuel utilization in Nuclear Reactors, still remains a challenge to contain the sources of radiation and contamination away from public domain. This review article envisages qualitatively the environmental effects w.r.t. radiation during flow of Natural Uranium fuel used in Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (IPHWRs) at various stages of mining, fabrication, transportation, operation in nuclear reactors, and storage after operation. The review has been completed by detailed compilation and study of the involved activities in the nuclear fuel cycle. Advanced modelling and computational analysis techniques are being employed at various stages, which form the basis for various administrative and technical measures to ensure minimal radiation exposure. It is concluded that organizations engaged in these activities are committed to minimum environmental impact and follow a safety culture in their system and among workers to ensure best administrative control in handling of radiation and radiation sources to limit exposure to public domain. In view of the limitations of LNT (Linear No Threshold) principle and the presence of radiation due to natural sources in the environment, it is desirable to revisit the provisions of ALARA principle (As low as reasonably achievable) as presently being followed in carrying out any activity related to radiation and radiation sources