Identification of Contaminants of Concern for the Postclosure Assessment of the Concept for the Disposal of Canada's Nuclear Fuel Waste (Identification des Contaminants d'Interet Particulier pour l'Evaluation Apres Fermeture du Concept de Stockage Permanent des Dechets de Combustible Nucleaire du Canada)

摘要

The concept for the disposal of Canada's nuclear fuel waste involves the isolation of irradiated fuel in corrosion-resistant containers emplaced in a vault located deep in crystalline rock of the Canadian Shield. This report provides an upper bound on estimated radiation dose and chemical toxicity effects on humans from all potentially toxic contaminants, and it identifies those that require detailed consideration in the postclosure assessment. This report also examines the origins and properties of the contaminants. The report considers how these properties affect the behavior of different contaminants in different parts of the disposal system. The discussion leads to suggested methods of treatment of different contaminants when simulating their fate within the disposal system. In particular, recommendations are made on how the actinide decay chains can be simplified for study in the postclosure assessment.