After gaining considerable expertise in establishing and exercising waste management strategy by immobilization of high-level radioactive liquid waste (HLW) in borosilicate glass matrix followed by its interim storage, it is envisaged to focus on geologic disposal of radioactive waste packages. The multi barrier disposal system is considered one of the options for isolation of radioactive waste...

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) has been developed by the U.S. Department of Energy for the geologic (deep underground) disposal of transuranic waste. Compliance with the containment requirements is demonstrated by means of performance assessment (PA). The term PA signifies an analysis that 1) identifies the features, processes and events (FEPs) that might affect the disposal system; 2) ...

In a conceptual UK geological disposal facility for nuclear waste within a high-strength, crystalline geology, a cement-based backfill material, known as Nirex Reference Vault Backfill (NRVB), will be used to provide a chemical barrier to radionuclide release. The NRVB is required to have specific properties to fulfil the operational requirements of the geological disposal facility (GDF); these...

The United States is now re-assessing its nuclear waste disposal policy and re-evaluating the option of moving away from the current once-through open fuel cycle to a closed fuel cycle. In a closed fuel cycle, used fuels will be reprocessed and useful components such as uranium or transuranics will be recovered for reuse (e.g., Bodansky, 2006). During this process, a variety of waste streams wi...

BACKGROUND Bangladesh faces daunting challenges in addressing the sanitation needs of its urban poor. Maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of communal toilets is dependent upon periodic emptying of fecal sludge, and cooperation between users of communal toilets. Trash disposal into latrines can block the outflow pipes, rendering the toilets non-functional. METHODS Pre-intervention: W...

Aqueous-phase diffusion in geologic media is very important in agricultural production, contaminant transport and remediation, risk assessment, and waste disposal. This review was undertaken to investigate (1) the components of effective diffusion coefficients, (2) diffusion as a function of water content and diffusion models, as well as the effects of temperature, compactness, and sorption on ...

T he growing capacity to build and manipulate materials at the nanoscale is both thrilling and challenging. Engineering at the level of atoms allows much needed problem-solving and innovation, but also raises questions about how to assess the effects and safety of the materials created. The promise and the challenge are especially acute in the domain of nanomedicine. Nanotherapeutics and in viv...

Air pollution control (APC) residues from waste incineration have been blended with silica and alumina and the mix melted using DC plasma arc technology. The chemical composition of the fully amorphous homogeneous glass formed has been determined. Waste acceptance criteria compliance leach testing demonstrates that the APC residue derived glass releases only trace levels of heavy metals (Pb (<0...

Chromium (Cr) has been extensively used in many industrial applications. Inappropriate disposal of effluent led to increased Cr concentrations the environment. As a result, Cr(VI) classified under strict control measures by most national and international lists highly toxic materials. Bioremediation Cr(VI)-contaminated effluents appears be more economical environment-friendly treatment method. ...

In this study, natural bentonite was used as natural clay material and samples were taken from the Kalecik district in Ankara. In this research, bentonite is the subject of an analysis from standpoint of assessing the basic properties of engineered barriers with respect to the buffer material. Bentonite and sand mixtures were prepared for tests. Some of clay minerals give relatively higher hydr...