What radioactive wastes will be produced in the routine operation of a nuclear power plant?
The coolant of reactor contains radioactive impurities, which are filtered out and become radioactive wastes. Radioactive impurities may contaminate equipment of the power plant. So used tools and obsolete equipment removed from the plant during maintenance also become solid radioactive wastes. Gaseous radioactive waste is generated when the circulating coolant inside the reactor is radiated by neutrons. Also, replacing and recycling the nuclear burnt fuel will also produce high-level radioactive wastes, and this necessitates proper handling.