Question

Write a short note on radioactive waste.

Answer 1

• Radioactive pollution is caused by the wastes which release radioactivity (emission of $\alpha$-particles, $\beta$-particles and $\gamma$-rays) from nuclides of their elements. Biological effects of radioactive wastes released into the rivers are well known. Absorption is of major importance in the uptake of radioisotopes by the plants. Fishes take up radioactive materials by the ingestion and assimilation with food and by absorption.
  
• Bioaccumulation of radioisotopes takes place through the aquatic food chains. As a result, river insects have many times more radioactivity than the water they inhabit. Radioactive elements like Strontium 90 is a dangerous radioactive pollutant and causes bone cancer, leukemia, and degradation of body tissues.
  
• Radioactive wastes have the danger of leakage and thus emitting radioactive rays that can cause serious diseases and mutations in the genome.
  
• The radioactive waste should be disposed of carefully by pretreatment and should be buried in a well-shielded container at about a depth of at least 500m below the earth's surface.