Litosäilytys

Litosäilytys refers to the long-term storage of radioactive waste within stable geological formations. The primary goal of litosäilytys is to isolate the hazardous radioactive materials from the biosphere for the vast timescales required for their decay, typically hundreds of thousands of years. This method is considered a promising solution for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste, such as spent nuclear fuel and waste from reprocessing.

The selection of a suitable geological repository site is a critical step in the litosäilytys process. Key criteria include the geological stability of the rock formation, its low permeability to prevent groundwater movement, and its depth below the surface, which provides an additional barrier. Common rock types considered for repositories include granite, clay, salt, and tuff. Multiple engineered barriers, such as waste canisters, backfill materials, and the repository structure itself, are used in conjunction with the natural geological barrier to further enhance containment.

International research and development efforts are ongoing to assess the safety and feasibility of litosäilytys. Several countries are actively pursuing or have already established deep geological repositories for nuclear waste. The process involves extensive site characterization, safety assessments, and regulatory oversight to ensure the long-term integrity and security of the stored waste. Public acceptance and engagement are also important aspects of developing and implementing litosäilytys projects.