An assignment submitted to

Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.

Effect of Nuclear Power on Environment

By
Muhammad Mudassir
Roll no. 07 (Evening)
To
Dr. Wakeel

Date:3rd October 2019.

Department

Effects of nuclear power on environment

 Analytical Chemistry

The definition of analytical chemistry is examining materials by separating them into their components
and identifying each one and how much there is of each one. Using mass spectrometry to measure
charged particles to determine the composition of a substance is an example of analytical-chemistry.

Introduction

Nuclear energy has no place in a safe, clean, sustainable future. Nuclear energy is both expensive and
dangerous, and just because nuclear pollution is invisible doesn't mean it's clean. Renewable energy is
better for the environment, the economy, and doesn't come with the risk of a nuclear meltdown. 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. The challenge of making nuclear power safer doesn't end after the power
has been generated. Nuclear fuel remains dangerously radioactive for thousands of years after it is no
longer useful in a commercial reactor. The resulting waste disposal problem has become a major
challenge for policymakers.

Staying inside will reduce your exposure to radiation.

1. Close windows and doors.

2. Take a shower or wipe exposed parts of your body with a damp cloth.
3. Drink bottled water and eat food in sealed containers.

Literature Review
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. A
major environmental concern related to nuclear power is the creation of radioactive wastes such as
uranium mill tailings, spent reactor fuel, and other radioactive wastes. These materials can remain
radioactive and dangerous to human health for thousands of years. Radioactive wastes are subject to
special regulations that govern their handling, transportation, storage, and disposal to protect human
health and the environment. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates the operation of
nuclear power plants.

Radioactive wastes are classified as low-level waste or high-level waste. The radioactivity of these wastes
can range from a little higher than natural background levels, such as for uranium mill tailings, to the
much higher radioactivity of used reactor fuel and parts of nuclear reactors. The radioactivity of nuclear
waste decreases over time through a process called radioactive decay. The amount of time it takes for the
radioactivity of radioactive material to decrease to half its original level is called the radioactive half-life.
Radioactive waste with a short half-life is often stored temporarily before disposal to reduce potential
radiation doses to workers who handle and transport the waste. This storage system also reduces the
radiation levels at disposal sites.

By volume, most of the waste related to the nuclear power industry has a relatively low level of
radioactivity. Uranium mill tailings contain the radioactive element radium, which decays to produce the
radioactive gas radon. Most uranium mill tailings are placed near the processing facility, or mill, where
they come from. Uranium mill tailings are covered with a sealing barrier of material such as clay to
prevent radon from escaping into the atmosphere. The sealing barrier is covered by a layer of soil, rocks,
or other materials to prevent erosion of the sealing barrier.These materials are subject to special
regulations for their handling, storage, and disposal so they will not come in contact with the outside
environment.

Conclusion

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. It produces no harmful greenhouse gases, isolates its waste from the environment, and requires
less area to produce the same amount of electricity as other sources.

References

1. International Panel on Fissile Materials (September 2010). "The Uncertain Future of Nuclear
Energy"
2. NRC. Radioactive Waste: Production, Storage, Disposal (NUREG/BR-0216, Rev. 2)