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Updated: May 22, 2026
09:18
Laser-heating and Radiance Spectrometry for the Study of Nuclear Materials in Conditions Simulating a Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Published on: December 14, 2017
Tritium release during nuclear power operation in China
1Nuclear and Radiation Safety Centre, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100082, People's Republic of China. yangdao69@gmail.com
Summary
This study evaluated tritium releases from Chinese nuclear power plants before 2009. Heavy water reactors showed higher airborne tritium releases compared to pressurized water reactors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Nuclear Engineering
Background:
- Nuclear power plants generate radioactive effluents.
- Tritium is a key radionuclide of concern in nuclear effluents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate tritium releases and public doses from Chinese nuclear power plants before 2009.
- To compare tritium release pathways (airborne vs. liquid) across different reactor types.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data on tritium releases from nuclear power plants in mainland China.
- Comparative analysis of tritium releases based on reactor technology (Pressurized Water Reactor vs. Heavy Water Reactor).
Main Results:
- Tritium releases from liquid pathways dominate for Pressurized Water Reactors.
- Airborne and liquid tritium releases are comparable for Heavy Water Reactors.
- Airborne tritium release from Heavy Water Reactors is significantly higher than from Pressurized Water Reactors.
Conclusions:
- Reactor type significantly influences tritium release pathways and magnitudes.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for environmental monitoring and dose assessment in nuclear power operations.
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