Journal of Earth Sciences and Geotechnical Engineering

Siting of Landfills for Hazardous Waste in Iraq from a Geological Perspective

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• Abstract

   

  Iraq has been involved with two major wars in 1991 and 2003 (Gulf war I and II), which resulted in leaving large amounts of wrecked tanks, vehicles, weapons and ammunition. A considerable amount of the military waste contains depleted uranium (DU), which is a by-product of the enrichment of natural uranium for nuclear reactor-grade or nuclear weapons-grade uranium. DU used during the second Gulf war is more than 1100 to 2000 tons. This has serious effects on humans in Iraq and the environment. There is no national or international program for cleaning Iraq of DU wastes. To protect humans and the environment, three locations for disposals were suggested according to the geological conditions. These locations fulfill the requirements so that radioactive waste does not affect human life and the environment. To use these sites there should be proper design for the landfills so that it can perform for long period of time.

   

  Keywords: Landfill, Hazardous Waste, depleted uranium (DU), geological factor for siting, Iraq.