Nuclear fuel cycle, ionizing radiation, and effects on biota of the natural environment

Abstract

There are many published articles concerning nuclear power and the environment as related to human health. This paper reviews the literature on the impact of ionizing radiation released during various segments of the nuclear fuel cycle — mining through spent fuel rod reprocessing — on the biota of the natural environment. The nuclear fuel cycle is discussed in some detail with emphasis on radioactive waste resulting from the various operations of the cycle. The effect of generated waste on biota is discussed with reference to the extensive literature on radiation ecology. The conclusion is that nuclear power plants and support activities operating within the constraints of national and international regulations on radioactive discharges will have inconsequential radiation effects on natural ecosystems in the vicinity of nuclear fuel cycle operations.