The Geological disposal of nuclear wastes. By Neil A. Chapman [and others]

The Geological Disposal of Nuclear Waste Neil A. Chapman and Ian G. McKinley The disposal of radioactive wastes is becoming a central issue in the nuclear debate and any consideration of the future of nuclear power, and its effect on the environment, must take waste management into account. Nuclear waste is currently a significant political issue in Western Europe and North America and is becoming increasingly important in all other countries with existing or planned nuclear programmes. This is the first book to tackle in a comprehensive and integrated fashion the problems associated with the geological disposal of nuclear waste. International research and development launched during the last decade has enabled the authors to describe detailed concepts for the long-term management and disposal of such material. The level of presentation is such that readers with high school science will be able to understand the issues involved. However, the broad scope of coverage with references provided throughout as well as a guide to the key sources of information, make this an invaluable book for both the researcher and the lay environmental scientist. Unlike most books on the ``nuclear debate,'' this text is ``waste- oriented'': it thoroughly considers the future of nuclear power in terms of radioactive waste management. Tackles the subject in a detailed and integrated manner while making the information accessible both to those involved in the field and to the non-scientific reader. Analyzes the principles of nuclear waste management, methods and problems of disposal and safety assessments, and uses modelling techniques to demonstrate the effectiveness of barrier materials. Includes appendixes on international waste programs and radioactive waste literature.