Question

How are the wastes produced in nuclear power plants different from those produced in thermal power plants? What happens to the waste of a nuclear power plant?

Answer 1

Wastes produced in nuclear power plants

1. Nuclear power plant waste is extremely radioactive. It radiates hazardous radiations, whereas thermal power plant waste is non-radioactive.
2. Thermal power plants generate residual coal waste after burning, whereas nuclear power plants' waste is radiated on coming into contact with radioactive material.
3. The thermal power plant uses fossil fuel to generate the heat energy that causes Carbon dioxide emissions in the environment. While the nuclear power plant does not contribute Carbon dioxide to the environment.

Managing the waste of a nuclear power plant

1. Nuclear waste must be deposited in a steel container and dumped in the ground for long-term storage and to avoid leakage of radioactive waste.
2. Sometimes, nuclear waste is converted into a less hazardous product or a product with a shorter life.