Technology assessment and impact analysis of separation methods applied to radioactive waste management. [Photochemical separation of actinides]

A computer program has been written to estimate actinide production and accumulation in the high-level waste generated by an expanding nuclear economy over a 100-year period. The total weight of the actinides remaining in the biosphere was estimated for the recycle transmutation option and for two no-recycle options. A novel photochemical method for separating actinides from high-level waste or from each other is described based on selective ligand exchange reactions. A preliminary cost comparison of plutonium separation using standard photoredox techniques has been accomplished and is reported. The energy requirements for photochemically separating all of the actinides are estimated to be only a fraction of the energy supplied by the fuel. The potential advantages and disadvantages of actinide partitioning as a waste management option are discussed. Conclusions and recommendations are made regarding both the direction of technical development and policy analysis.