The discussion revolves around the proposal of disposing of spent nuclear fuel rods by placing them in canisters at the bottom of the ocean. Participants explore the feasibility, safety, and potential environmental impacts of this approach, considering various technical, political, and ecological factors.
Participants express a range of views on the feasibility and safety of ocean disposal for nuclear waste, with no consensus reached. While some support the idea based on radiation shielding, others emphasize the risks of leakage and environmental impact, indicating a contentious debate.
Limitations include uncertainties regarding the long-term integrity of containment under ocean conditions, the effectiveness of water as a radiation shield compared to other materials, and the potential for environmental consequences if containment fails.
Steve Brown said:My previous post is not really off topic, as it addresses the proposed method of disposing of spent fuel rods in such a way that they cannot be recovered. My point is that such disposal is not a good idea, because spent fuel rods contain recoverable fissile material which can be used in a type of reactor that does not create spent fuel assemblies to dispose of.
nikkkom said:Thorium reactor also produces waste. Less transuranics than uranium cycle, but about the same amount of fission products. This waste needs to be disposed off just the same.