DEVELOPMENT OF SAFETY ASSESSMENT CODE FOR DECOMMISSIONING WASTE RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL.

This article focuses on the development of a computational code named REcycling and DIsposal Safety Assessment (REDISA) for evaluating the safety of recycling and self-disposal of radioactive waste generated from the decommissioning of nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Korea. REDISA comprises two modules: a dose assessment module that calculates radiation exposure doses for various recycling and disposal scenarios, and a maximum allowance concentration estimation module that determines radionuclide concentration limits based on annual dose limits. The code models detailed exposure scenarios for materials such as steel, aluminum, and concrete, considering external, inhalation, and ingestion pathways, and incorporates a broad range of radionuclides aligned with international radiological protection standards. Preliminary dose assessments using REDISA indicate that exposure levels remain below Korea's individual annual dose limit of 10 μSv across scenarios, supporting the establishment of technical criteria for safe recycling and self-disposal practices.