ARTICLE
Volume 8,Issue 8
14 August 2026
Research on Recycling and Reutilization of Radioactive Waste Generated in the Front-end Processes of Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Haitao Ma ,
Yu Zhang ,
Ni He ,
Zhenxing Yan ,
Xiaomin Ma ,
Gaoyu Yang
Show Less
1
No.7 Research & Design Institute Co., Ltd., CNNC, Taiyuan 030012, China; ianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China,
2
No.7 Research & Design Institute Co., Ltd., CNNC, Taiyuan 030012, China,
3
No.7 Research & Design Institute Co., Ltd., CNNC, Taiyuan 030012, China,
4
No.7 Research & Design Institute Co., Ltd., CNNC, Taiyuan 030012, China,
5
No.7 Research & Design Institute Co., Ltd., CNNC, Taiyuan 030012, China; Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China,
6
No.7 Research & Design Institute Co., Ltd., CNNC, Taiyuan 030012, China,
ssr 2026 , 8(7), 425–429;
https://doi.org/10.26689/ssr.v8i7.15800
Abstract
The front-end processes of the nuclear fuel cycle mainly serve the fuel demand of nuclear power plants. Inevitably, a large quantity of radioactive waste is produced during these processes, which will pose severe threats to the ecological environment and human health if improperly disposed of. This paper elaborates on the properties, classification, and hazards of radioactive waste, and analyzes the limitations of current treatment technologies for such waste. A series of innovative recycling and reutilization solutions combining physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods are proposed to realize the reduction, resource recovery, and harmless treatment of radioactive waste. These solutions can not only cut down the discharge of radioactive waste, but also achieve efficient utilization of resources. They provide strong support for the sustainable development of the nuclear fuel cycle and are of great significance for promoting low-emission and sustainable development of the whole nuclear fuel cycle.
References
Wu XH, 2025, Feasibility Analysis of a New 6000 tU/a Uranium Conversion Project. Proceedings of the 30th Anniversary Celebration Conference of Nuclear Chemical Engineering Branch of the Chinese Nuclear Society & National Annual Academic Exchange Conference on Nuclear Chemical Engineering. Beijing: Nuclear Chemical Engineering Branch of the Chinese Nuclear Society.
Miao LX, Yin DJ, Yao YK, et al., 2025, Regulatory Study on Uranium Concentration Discharge Limits for Liquid Effluents from Uranium Conversion and Enrichment Facilities. Journal of Radiation Research and Radiation Processing, 43(6): 118–125.
Wang Z, Weng Z, Rao QL, 2024, Management and Disposal Strategies of Radioactive Waste from Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing. Chemical Industry Management, 2024(21): 82–85.
Ma HT, Lan P, Wu XH, 2019, Theoretical Analysis on Process Optimization of Uranium- and Fluoride-Containing Wastewater Treatment. Progress Report on China Nuclear Science & Technology (Volume 6) — Proceedings of the 2019 Annual Meeting of Chinese Nuclear Society, Volume 6 (Nuclear Chemical Engineering Volume, Radiation Protection Volume). Beijing: Chinese Nuclear Society.
Peng F, 2017, Resource, Waste or Industrial Promotion — Reflections on the Revision Path of China’s Circular Economy Promotion Law. Politics and Law, 2017(9): 98–109.
Zhan H, Zhang QS, 2025, Study on Ecological Environmental Impacts of Waste Resource Utilization. China Resources Comprehensive Utilization, 43(3): 98–100.
Wu JD, Xu LC, Niu J, 2022, Recommendations on Waste Minimization for Natural Uranium Purification and Conversion. Chinese Journal of Radiological Health, 31(1): 74–78.
Zhang H, Ye GA, 2025, Research Progress of Advanced Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Technologies. Atomic Energy Science and Technology, 59(9): 1851–1869.
Dong CM, 2023, Discussion on Comprehensive Disposal of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Solid Waste. China Nuclear Industry, 2023(4): 24–25.
Qin HC, Zhou SQ, Wu XH, 2021, Feasibility Analysis of Treating Spent Extraction Organic Phase by Molecular Distillation Technology. Progress Report on China Nuclear Science & Technology (Volume 7) — Proceedings of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Chinese Nuclear Society, Volume 5 (Nuclear Chemistry & Radiochemistry Volume, Nuclear Chemical Engineering Volume, Radiation Protection Volume). Beijing: Chinese Nuclear Society.
Qin HC, Zhou SQ, Zhi HQ, 2017, Technical Route Analysis of Hydrofluorination Tail Gas Treatment in Uranium Conversion Production. Progress Report on China Nuclear Science & Technology (Volume 5) — Proceedings of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Chinese Nuclear Society, Volume 6 (Nuclear Chemical Engineering Volume, Nuclear Chemistry & Radiochemistry Volume, Nuclear Radiation Physics Volume). Beijing: Chinese Nuclear Society.
Pan YL, Liu XJ, Yu CY, 2021, Research on Volume and Hazard Reduction Technologies of Radioactive Waste. Chinese Basic Science, 23(4): 41–51.
Du GF, 2024, Analysis of New Technologies for Volume and Hazard Reduction Treatment of Radioactive Waste. Science and Technology Information, 2024(10): 183–185.
Han YD, Zhang SD, 2020, Research Progress on Key Technologies of Radioactive Waste Treatment and Conditioning. Atomic Energy Science and Technology, 54(S1): 137–142.
Jin XW, Yu XC, Tang N, et al., 2026, Study on Super-Pressure Treatment of Radioactive Incineration Ash. Shandong Chemical Industry, 2026(8): 218–222.
Xue HL, Yan XJ, Feng WD, et al., 2020, Inorganic Volume Reduction Technology for Spent Radioactive Resin. Contemporary Chemical Industry, 2020(9): 1934–1940.
Share
Back to top
Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.
We are committed to supporting the scientific community by publishing impactful research and fostering effective communication among scientists. We continuously seek ways to accelerate scientific progress while upholding transparency and open dialogue. Our goal is to make knowledge freely and barrier‑free accessible to all.
Contact us: info@bbwpublisher.com
Level 10, 50 Clarence Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia