low-level waste

Low-level radioactive waste (LLW) contains low concentrations of radioactive components. It typically consists of aqueous solutions and sludges that have accumulated from nuclear fuel processing and waste management. Historically, LLW has been stored in underground tanks, but concerns about potential leaks and groundwater contamination have led to the development of solid waste forms.12

One promising method for solidifying LLW involves mixing it with cement. This process immobilizes radioactive species by chemically incorporating them into the cement's structure and trapping them within the cement's pores. Nuclear ceramics are also used in waste disposal, either by forming a synthetic rock (synroc) or by being mixed with cement powder. These methods aim to create stable forms that minimize the leaching of radioactive materials into the environment.23