Source term evaluation model for high-level radioactive waste repository with decay chain build-up

ABSTRACT

A source term model based on two-component leach flux concept is developed for a high-level radioactive waste repository. The long-lived radionuclides associated with high-level waste may give rise to the build-up of activity because of radioactive decay chains. The ingrowths of progeny are incorporated in the model using Bateman decay chain build-up equations. The model is applied to different radionuclides present in the high-level radioactive waste, which form a part of decay chains (4n to 4n + 3 series), and the activity of the parent and daughter radionuclides leaching out of the waste matrix is estimated. Two cases are considered: one when only parent is present initially in the waste and another where daughters are also initially present in the waste matrix. The incorporation of in situ production of daughter radionuclides in the source is important to carry out realistic estimates. It is shown that the inclusion of decay chain build-up is essential to avoid underestimation of the radiological impact assessment of the repository. The model can be a useful tool for evaluating the source term of the radionuclide transport models used for the radiological impact assessment of high-level radioactive waste repositories.

KEYWORDS:

• Decay chain
• high-level waste repository
• radionuclide
• source term
• two-component leach flux

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Dr. K. S. Pradeepkumar, Associate Director, Health Safety & Environment Group, and Head, Radiation Safety Systems Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, India, for his encouragement and support during the study.