Radioactive Waste Management: Types and Treatment

Radioactive waste is produced during the various operations of the nuclear fuel cycle, as well as the production and use of radionuclides for a variety of societal applications. Mining and processing of uranium ore, fabrication of nuclear fuel, generation of power in nuclear reactors, processing of spent nuclear fuel, management of radioactive waste, production and use of radionuclides for various industrial and medical applications, research involving radioactive material, and other activities generate various types of radioactive waste. Radioactive waste can be in gas, liquid, or solid form, with varying levels of radioactivity. All stages of the nuclear fuel cycle generate some radioactive waste, and the cost of managing and disposing of this waste is included in the cost of electricity. All toxic waste, not just radioactive waste, must be handled safely, and in countries with nuclear power, radioactive waste accounts for a very small proportion of total industrial hazardous waste generated