Mutual influence of non-human biota and radioactive waste disposal facilities: environmental and engineering safety
For a long time, radioactive waste management, including RW temporary storage or disposal, has been considered as one of the main factors producing negative impact on present and future generations. Development of new recommendations under the international system of radiological protection,including those associated with additional consideration of the influence produced by ionizing radiation on non-human biota and relevant ethical aspects, has required certain approaches to be developed enabling to assess the long-term safety of nuclear facilities not only for humans but also for non-human species. In addition, in the decision making regarding the use of particular safety barriers for radioactive waste (RW) storage facilities and relevant justifications biological impacts that can negatively affect the isolation of radioactive waste from the environment shall be considered as well. The article overviews the aspects associated with the interaction of anthropogenic facilities, namely RW disposal facilities, and biota species.