Ground Disposal of Radioactive Wastes

While so far emphasis has been placed on the treatment of radioactive wastes, consistent procedures from the treatment phase to final disposal, especially underground disposal, is in overseas countries, ideas for waste disposal, techniques available at present, and their economic aspects are reviewed. Prospects of underground disposal in Japan and subjects of research in this field are discussed. Radioactive waste disposal in oceans, underground, in cosmic space, and in-reactor is discussed. Underground disposal is carried out for solid and liquid wastes at different radioactivlty levels and of gaseous wastes. Location of ground-disposal sites is determined by the return of radioactive substances to human beings through varied routes. Finally, the problems encountered in the disposal of solid wastes from nuclear power stations are indicated. (JA)