Life cycle and management of carbon-14 from nuclear power generation

With its long half-life (5730 years) and high mobility in the environment, 14C is a radionuclide of considerable interest in nuclear power production. Carbon-14 is present in virtually all parts of nuclear reactor primary system and has a high production rate. It is released to the environment through gaseous and liquid discharges and though the disposal of solid radioactive waste. This paper summarizes existing scientific understanding of 14C issues surrounding nuclear power production. Two main purposes of the paper are: (1) To provide the basic/up-to-date understanding of the life cycle of 14C, starting from its production in reactors, to eventually its transport and its potential incorporation in natural cycles; (2) To present the technical issues in current 14C waste management. The emphasis of the paper is on Light Water Reactors (LWRs, which include Pressured Water Reactors-PWRs, and Boiling Water Reactors-BWRs) and Heavy Water Reactors (HWRs-CANDU type reactors). Major issues with 14C in HTGR are also addressed.