Description
The safe operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) is governed by stringent national and international regulations established by organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), and the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Despite significant advancements in reactor design, defense-in-depth strategies, and probabilistic safety assessments, the possibility of severe nuclear accidents cannot be completely eliminated. Historical events, including the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011, demonstrated the potential for widespread radiological consequences and highlighted the importance of effective emergency preparedness and response systems. The current study presents a comprehensive methodology for assessing the consequences of nuclear accidents through the integration of source term characterization, atmospheric dispersion modeling, and radiological risk assessment. The methodology begins with the identification of hypothetical accident scenarios and detailed analysis of radioactive releases, including release fractions, duration, release height, and thermal characteristics. Meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric stability, and precipitation are incorporated to evaluate radionuclide transport under varying environmental conditions. Advanced simulation tools are employed to predict the dispersion of radioactive materials, estimate contamination zones, and quantify radiation exposure pathways. The study further incorporates sensitivity and uncertainty analyses to evaluate the influence of critical parameters on model predictions. The findings contribute to the development of optimized emergency response strategies, including evacuation planning, protective actions, and public communication protocols. This research supports the strengthening of nuclear safety frameworks, improves emergency preparedness capabilities, and provides evidence-based recommendations for minimizing radiological risks and protecting public health and the environment during nuclear emergencies.
| I am the presenting author | Yes |
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