Analyzing Environmental Tritium Cycle for Fusion Energy
and National Security
Name
Liliana_Arias_Bachelor_s_thesis Final version.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
Size
1.1 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
8416a713c0ccb3510c7f10ef22fa67a3
Author(s)
Arias, Liliana R.
Advisor(s)
Wainwright, Haruko Murakami
Date Issued
May 2025
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Although tritium is a sought-after isotope of hydrogen for fusion fuel, it is important to consider the environmental impacts of its release into the environment. In order to prepare for the elevated tritium releases that may result from commercial fusion power, yearly tritium releases from different types of nuclear facilities are compiled, with an emphasis on fusion reactors. Atmospheric modeling using HYSPLIT and a Gaussian Plume model is then conducted in order to better understand current and future global tritium sources and concentrations and their release pathways in the environment. Despite elevated tritium levels near major sources, most emissions remained within regulatory bounds, although proximity to facilities still matters.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Terms of Use
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
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