What is Nuclear Pollution?
Nuclear pollution, also called Radioactive contamination, is the deposition of, or presence of, radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids, or gases (including the human body), where their presence is unintended or undesirable. Pollution of the atmosphere by radiation and radioactive particles is called nuclear pollution.
Such contamination presents a hazard because of the radioactive decay of the contaminants, which produces such harmful effects as ionizing radiation (namely, alpha, beta, and gamma rays) and free neutrons.
The degree of hazard is determined by the concentration of the contaminants, the energy of the radiation being emitted, the type of radiation, and the proximity of the contamination to organs of the body. It is important to be clear that the contamination gives rise to the radiation hazard, and the terms “radiation” and “contamination” are not interchangeable.
The sources of radioactive pollution can be classified into two groups: natural and man-made. Following an atmospheric nuclear weapon discharge or a nuclear reactor containment breach, the air, soil, people, plants, and animals in the vicinity will become contaminated by nuclear fuel and fission products.
Nuclear power reactors do not produce direct carbon dioxide emissions. Unlike fossil fuel-fired power plants, nuclear reactors do not produce air pollution or carbon dioxide while operating. However, the processes for mining and refining uranium ore and making reactor fuel all require large amounts of energy.
Nuclear power plants also have large amounts of metal and concrete, which require large amounts of energy to manufacture. If fossil fuels are used for mining and refining uranium ore, or if fossil fuels are used when constructing the nuclear power plant, then the emissions from burning those fuels could be associated with the electricity that nuclear power plants generate.
What is Radioactive Pollution?
Radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of living organisms and their environment as a result of the release of radioactive substances into the environment during nuclear explosions and testing of nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon production and decommissioning, mining of radioactive ores, handling and disposal of radioactive waste, and accidents at nuclear power plants.
Nuclear tests are carried out to determine the effectiveness, yield, and explosive capability of nuclear weapons. The proportion of radioactive pollution is 15% of the total energy of the explosion.
Radioactive pollution of water, water sources, and the airspace is the result of radioactive fallout from the cloud of a nuclear explosion. Radionuclides are the main sources of pollution; they emit beta particles and gamma rays, radioactive substances.
Causes of Nuclear Pollution
Most activities involving radioactive substances have the potential to contaminate the environment. Contains
1. The Use of Nuclear Weapons as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
The use of nuclear missiles and atomic bombs, a form of nuclear energy, in World War II explains not only the cause but also the harmful nature of radioactive contamination.
The effects of the two attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki that brought the war to an end in 1945 are still seen and felt today. Children are still being born with complications such as intellectual disabilities and conditions like autism and other disorders, and cancer rates in both cities are higher than in the rest of Japan.
2. Nuclear Accidents From Nuclear Energy Generation Plants
This was the most famous Chornobyl nuclear disaster in Russia in 1986. The result of this accident was felt in three countries – Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The area around the reactor is still polluted and not suitable for habitat or farming.
On March 11, 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident was another recent accident. The main reactors and supplementary generators were severely damaged due to the tsunami earthquake.
Inadequate preparation to deal with an incident of this scale was also a factor that led to the hydrogen explosion and the leakage of radioactive material into groundwater.
3. Use of Radioisotopes.
Radioisotopes offer various applications in the industrial sector, particularly in detection technologies. Certain isotopes, such as uranium, possess high levels of radiation, while radioactive materials containing carbon can conveniently and inadvertently contaminate waterways through sewage lines.
Untreated sewage is often released into water sources, where radioactive isotopes combine with other compounds and elements. This contaminated water is then used for household purposes and consumed by aquatic life, including fish, eventually leading to radiation exposure.
4. Mining.
Mining is primarily the act of digging up mineral ores to be broken down into manageable pieces. Naturally occurring elements such as Radium and Uranium contain radioactivity and are among these minerals.
Through mining, these materials are brought to the surface, effectively augmenting natural geological processes. Other minerals that carry radiation include thorium, plutonium, radon, potassium, carbon, and phosphorus.
5. Spillage of Radioactive Chemicals.
There have been instances of spillages over oceans when ships hit glaciers or coral reefs. These accidents end up releasing chemicals into waterways and the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, what most people may not know is that the majority of these chemicals, including petroleum products, have a significant level of radiation, which means they’re detrimental to the environment.
6. Tests on Radiation.
Radiation is one of the critical elements in the cure and treatment of cancer. Its potential is harnessed through chemotherapy to impede the growth of malignant cells while bolstering the immune system.
But despite all the benefits, we’ve had cases of scientists experiencing complications and even fatalities due to exposure, especially when conducting a study on radiation.
7. Cosmic Rays and Other Natural Sources.
These come from outer space to our planet with intense radiation as their nature, therefore, causing radioactive pollution.
Gamma rays, for example, are said to have the highest radiation level, yet, depending on their intensity, some are not visible to the human eye, making it hard to avoid them.
The quantity with which the rays hit the earth depends on the altitude of the earth and the geographical location.
Other sources of these radiations include radioactive elements in the earth’s crust. Perfect examples include potassium 40, radium 224, radon 222, thorium 232, uranium 235, uranium 238, and carbon 14, and occur in rocks, soil, and water.
There can also be unstable radio-nuclides split into smaller parts emitting energetic radiation that can penetrate the body of organisms through the air during respiration.
8. Nuclear Waste Handling and Disposal.
The radioactive wastes are of three categories:
- High level
- Low level
- Transuranic
These wastes mainly come from the disposal of nuclear weapons, the cleaning materials from nuclear plants, military installations, emissions from plutonium processing, and other radioisotopes from hospitals and laboratories.
Usually, the handling and disposal of nuclear waste generate low to medium radiation over a long period of time. Their effects are hard to predict, and the waste may not be easy to target and eliminate simply because the radioactivity contaminates and propagates through air, water, and soil.
Plus, unlike most types of waste, radiation waste cannot be degraded or treated chemically or biologically. The only options are either to contain the waste stored in tightly closed containers shielded with radiation-protective materials (such as Pb) or dilute it.
The other way that radioactive waste can be contained is by storage in remote areas with little or no life, like remote caves or abandoned salt mines.
But then, it’s also important to note that no matter where you contain this waste, the shields can get damaged over time, whether using natural or artificial shields.
9. Defensive Weapon Production.
Lastly, radioactive pollution may emanate from the production of defensive weapons. These weapons feature radioactive elements and may cause serious health problems to anyone exposed. However, the current standards prohibit the use of weapons with a significant amount of radiation.
Effects of Nuclear Pollution
The effectsofradioactivepollution are profound and can be categorized as genetic, somatic, and ecological. Below are the main impacts on various life forms and the environment.
Effects Of Nuclear Pollution in Points
- Causes damagetoDNA, leading to genetic mutations
- Increases risk of cancer, birth defects, and chronic diseases
- Results in acute radiation sickness at high exposure levels
- Reduces plant growth and disrupts soil fertility
- Threatens aquatic organisms due to contaminated water sources
- Alters ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to ecological imbalance
Effects on Human Health
- Short-term: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and cellular decay from acute exposure
- Long-term: increased occurrence of leukemia, cancers, organ failure, and hereditary diseases
- Genetic and somatic effects may appear in future generations
Effects on Animals
- Stunted growth and reproductive failure
- Increased mortality rates and genetic defects
- Bioaccumulation leads to radiation moving up the food chain
Effects on Plants and the Environment
- Disrupts cell division, causing abnormal growth or plant death
- Reduces crop yield and contaminates the food supply
- Polluted soil and water impact entire ecosystems
Solutions to Radioactive Contamination
1. Proper Method for Disposing of Radioactive Waste.
Radioactive waste still contains a certain level of radiation and should not be disposed of in the same way as ordinary waste. It should not be incinerated or buried. Instead, it should be stored in heavy, thick concrete containers to prevent any possibility of leakage.
However, as already mentioned, there is no permanent way to keep radioactive elements perfectly contained. Therefore, it is best to dilute the radiation. Professional assistance should always be sought for both containment and dilution.
2. Proper Labeling.
It is also necessary to label any material containing radioactive material and indicate the necessary precautions regarding the contents on the label.
This is because radiation can enter the body through simple contact with radioactive material. Containers holding these elements must be clearly labeled so that protective equipment is used when handling them.
3. Prohibition of Nuclear Testing.
It has already been demonstrated that nuclear energy has a great latent power that is highly destructive.
And although the tests carried out are not usually malicious, some of the radioactive elements released during these tests escape from one ecosystem to another, ultimately affecting the organisms that inhabit them.
Therefore, it is essential to prohibit these tests or, at least, implement protective measures to contain the radioactive elements.
4. Alternative Energy Sources.
The development and use of nuclear energy were not, initially, negative. However, considering the damage and threats it poses to the environment, it is time to suspend its use and for the world to focus on alternative and environmentally friendly energy sources, such as renewables like solar, hydroelectric, and wind power.
The use of radioactivity to generate energy in nuclear power plants, for example, produces more radiation in the atmosphere, considering the waste released from the various processes and combustion.
5. Proper Storage.
Containers that hold radioactive material must be stored properly. To begin with, these substances must be stored in radiation-proof containers to ensure that no leaks or spills occur during handling. Proper storage prevents damage and minimizes accidental leaks.
6. Reuse.
Since waste is not easy to store or dispose of, it can be recycled and used for other purposes, thus protecting the environment.
7. Personal precautions.
If you live near a nuclear power plant, there may be a possibility of contamination. In that case, it is recommended to check the radon gas level in your building. Radon levels must be eliminated.
Those who work with radioactive material also face a significant risk. They need protective measures to avoid radioactive contamination.
FAQs.
What is Nuclear Pollution?
Unlike fossil fuel-fired power plants, nuclear reactors do not produce air pollution or carbon dioxide while operating. However, the processes for mining and refining uranium ore and making reactor fuel all require large amounts of energy.
What is Radioactive Pollution?
Radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of living organisms and their environment as a result of the release of radioactive substances into the environment during nuclear explosions and testing of nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon production and decommissioning, mining of radioactive ores, handling and disposal of radioactive waste, and accidents at nuclear power plants.
How is Nuclear Waste Stored?
Right now, all of the nuclear waste that a power plant generates in its entire lifetime is stored on-site in dry casks. A permanent disposal site for used nuclear fuel has been planned for Yucca Mountain, Nevada, since 1987, but political issues keep it from becoming a reality.
How does nuclear pollution affect the environment?
Nuclear power plants use uranium as fuel. The process of mining uranium releases high amounts of carbon dioxide into the environment. Carbon dioxide is also released into the environment when new nuclear power plants are built. Finally, the transport of radioactive waste also causes carbon dioxide emissions.
Why is nuclear waste a problem?
Activities that produce or use radioactive material can generate radioactive waste. Radioactive waste is hazardous because it emits radioactive particles, which, if not properly managed, can be a risk to human health and the environment.
How do we recycle nuclear waste?
For recycling, spent nuclear fuel is fed into a chemical processing system that separates actinide elements that can be recycled as mixed-oxide fuel to produce more electrical power. At PNNL, this research is done in the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory, a Hazard Category II non-reactor nuclear research facility.