Actinides and the Environment

The book combines in one volume the opinions of experts regarding the interaction of radionuclides with the environment and possible ways to immobilize and dispose of nuclear waste. The relevant areas span the spectrum from pure science, such as the fundamental physics and chemistry of the actinides, geology, environmental transport mechanisms, to engineering issues such as reactor operation and the design of nuclear waste repositories. The cross-fertilization between these various areas means that the material in the book will be accessible to seasoned scientists who may wish to obtain an overview of the current state of the art in the field of environmental remediation of radionuclides, as well as to beginning scientists embarking on a career in this field.

Preface. Fundamental Physics and Chemistry of the Actinides. The Transuranium Elements: From Neptunium and Plutonium to Element 112; D.C. Hoffman. Solid State Chemistry and Thermophysical Properties of the Actinides; M. Beauvy. Electronic Structure of the Actinide Elements; B. Johansson. Bulk Properties of Light Actinides from First Principles; J. Kollár, et al. 5f-Electrons Localization of the Actinide Metals, delta-Plutonium Case; M. Penicaud. Lattice Relaxation and the Stability of Plutonium-Based Alloys and Intermetallics; J.D. Becker, et al. Electronic Structure and Structural Stability of Uranium Dioxide; S.L. Dudarev, et al. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of New Quaternary Silicides of Uranium; P.S. Salamakha, O.L. Sologub. Structural Chemistry of New Quaternary Germanides of Uranium; O.L. Sologub, P.S. Salamakha. Reactor Operations. Main Features of Improvement of Existing NPP Units and Creation of New Ones in Russia: Principal Safety Aspects; L.N. Phalkovski. Conception of VVER Reactors with Coated Particles; E.I. Grishanin, L.N. Phalkovski. Improvement of the Models and Codes for RBMK Neutronic Calculations; J.V. Alimov, et al. Nuclear Heating Power Plant Technical Safety Decisions; P.V. Berliaev, et al. Modeling of the Experiments with Natural Circulation of a Molten Fluoride Salt Fuel; K. Mikitiouk, et al. Waste Disposal and Repositories. Geological Disposal of High Level Radioactive Waste; V.S. Tsyplenkov. Spent Fuel Characteristics and Disposal Considerations; V.M. Oversby. Thermochemistry of Crystalline and Amorphous Phases Related to Radioactive Waste; A. Navrotsky. Potential Long Term Disposal of Plutonium in the Stockpile; J.T. Waber. Application of Radiochemical, Accelerator-Based and Surface Analytical Techniques to the Investigation of the U- and Th-Interaction with Tectosilicate Minerals; P. Misaelides, et al. Lanthanide Oxalates as a Possible Form of Intermediate Separation for Long-Lived Fission-Product Nuclides; G. Kolonin. Interactions of Radionuclide with Hard Rock; V. Buňatová. Actinides in the Environment. Radionuclide Dispersal Pathways: Some General Considerations and Examples; P.I. Mitchell. Fission Products and Transuranic Elements Released into the Environment During the Chernobyl Accident; A.A. Borovoi, S.L. Gavrilov. Remediation of the Chernobyl Accident Site; S.A. Bogatov. Radioactive Waste and Contamination in the Arctic Regions &endash; Perspectives on the Impact on its Indigenous Peoples; M. Stenbaek. Fate and Transport of Plutonium in Forest Ecosystems: Assessment Using the FORESTPATH Model; I. Linkov, et al. Plutonium Content in Black Sea Sediments and Algae; A.S. Strezov, T.T. Stoilova. Uranium in the Environment in Surrounding Areas of the Romanian Nuclear Power Plant During the Pre-Operational Period; N. Panuescu, et al. Use of High Gradient Magnetic Separation for Actinide Applications; L.R. Avens, et al. Actinides in Portugal; V. Marques. Social and Psychological Sources of the Chernobyl Accident; O.V. Konovalova. Indices.