Hydrogeological fate of radionuclides at decommissioned nuclear power plant sites: Case studies for radionuclides transport model development

Motivated by the urgent need to understand and mitigate potential environmental and public health risks associated with decommissioned nuclear power plants, this review paper explores studies on radioactive contamination at these facilities, with a particular focus on the development of radionuclide transport models. It begins with a comprehensive literature review, examining various contaminant types, extents, effects, and site conditions. Through careful examination of case studies, the paper extracts valuable insights from historical contamination incidents to guide contemporary practices. The primary emphasis is on data utilized in modeling studies, highlighting the collection and processing of information from both existing literature and on-site observations. The paper discusses the quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures crucial for numerical modeling, including an in-depth assessment of modeling parameters to ensure the dependability and precision of inputs. Furthermore, it explores the development of a robust database system, strategically organized for machine learning inputs, laying the foundation for sophisticated data analysis. The review highlights that choosing the right numerical models for specific site conditions, conducting thorough data collection and processing, and developing reliable database systems are essential for the successful management of decommissioned nuclear power plants. This paper can contribute to developing a modeling strategy for predicting radionuclide transport in decommissioned nuclear power plant sites, ultimately supporting the effective management of these facilities.