Comparison of Tritium Emission Rates and Management Strategies for Nuclear Reactor Technologies: A Design and Environmental Perspective

Abstract

Tritium, a radionuclide produced in nuclear fission reactions, is one of the primary health and safety concerns to the public from nuclear reactors. As a beta emitter, tritium can pose a health risk to humans, and surrounding biota through inhalation or ingestion and therefore the production and release of the nuclide must be controlled in the design and operation of all nuclear reactor technologies. Tritium emission rates and existing mitigating strategies for current reactor types (i.e. PWR, BWR, and PHWR) have been well established, however new reactor concepts such as Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) have the potential to further limit tritium release. The present paper will compare tritium generation and releases among different reactor technologies, highlighting the environmental health and safety benefits of the MSR design that limit tritium release to the environment and the public.