Investigation of Borosilicate Glasses with Simulated HLW Components and Determination of Their Chemical Durability

The paper discusses the current status of the HLW vitrification technology applied at the radiochemical plant of the Mayak PA. Conceptual and technical solutions proposed to develop the technology of vitrification of various types of liquid HLW at the Mayak PA are presented. Compositions of borosilicate glasses with HLW components are described, temperatures of their melting and easy pouring are determined. Chemical durability parameters obtained for the borosilicate glasses are provided.

Radioactive contamination mitigation in the Arctic region

This article discusses the most significant sources of large-scale radioactive contamination to which the Arctic has been exposed since the middle of the last century, which are identified as 1) radioactive fallout and deposition from nuclear weapon testing; 2) plum waste from the Sellafield radiochemical plant (United Kingdom) and Cap de la Ag (France) nuclear fleet operation; 3) radioisotope thermoelectric generators; and 4) submerged and sunken radioactive objects. The article assesses the comparative contribution and associated radioecological risks of these sources, and special attention is focused on the “nuclear legacy” of the USSR/Russian nuclear fleet and the search for solutions. The article describes the content and implementation results of the “Development of a Strategic Master Plan for Disposition of Decommissioned Russian Nuclear-Powered Fleet and Rehabilitation of Hazardously Radioactive Sites and Facilities of Its Support Infrastructure” which was developed with broad international cooperation. Attention is drawn to remaining environmental problems associated with submerged and sunken objects that contain spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste in the Arctic, and the article presents generalized data on such objects and associated risks of water contamination as identified by analyses of model studies of possible accident consequences.

Changes in peripheral nervous system at participants of accident consequences elimination in Chernobyl APP and population of the Tomsk northern industrial center

A clinical, electroneuromyographic (ENMG) and pathomorphological investigation of 19 eliminators of accident consequences (EAC) in Chernobyl APP in 1986 and 27 Tomsk region inhabitants living in the accident area that has taken place at radiochemical plant of Siberian Chemical Complex in 1993 has been made with the aim of the influence study of low ionizing radiation levels on the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms of sensory polyneuropathy prevailed in both groups clinically. Mixed affection type has been found at EAC by ENGM method, affection of myelinic nerve fibre membrane has been found at people living in accident trace area. Morphofunctional changes in skin allow considering the role of immune system in mechanisms of neuroglial and neuronal damages, distant by time.