Status and development of deep geological repository in Slovak republic from geological point of view

During the operation of Slovak NPPs, production of approximately 2,300 metric tons of spent fuel expressed as heavy metal (18,654 spent fuel assemblies) is expected. In addition, about 5000 metric tons of radioactive waste unfit for near surface repository at Mochovce and destined for a deep geological disposal. The safe and long-term solution of back-end fuel cycle is so highly required.One of the most favorable solutions is Deep Geological Repository (DGR). The site for a DGR, along with repository design and the engineered barrier system must ensure long-term safety of the disposal system.A preliminary set of site-selection criteria for a DGR was proposed in Slovakia, based on worldwide experience and consistent with IAEA recommendations. Main groups of criteria are: 1) geological and tectonic stability of prospective sites; 2) appropriate characteristics of host rock (lithological homogeneity, suitable hydrogeological and geochemical conditions, favourable geotechnical setting, absence of mineral resources, etc.); 3) conflict of interests (natural resources, natural and cultural heritage, protected resources of thermal waters, etc.).Based on the previous geological investigations, three distinct areas (five localities) were determined as the most prospective sites for construction of a DGR so far. Three of them are built by granitoids rock (Tribeč Mts., Veporske vrchy Mts. and Stolicke vrchy Mts.), other consist of sedimentary rock formations (Cerova vrchovina Upland and Rimavska kotlina Basin). Objective for the next investigation stage is to perform more detailed geological characterization of the prospective sites

Spinal-Induced Hypotension in Preeclamptic and Healthy Parturients Undergoing Cesarean Section

BACKGROUND: There is a widespread belief that spinal anaesthesia in patients with preeclampsia might cause severe hypotension and decreased uteroplacental perfusion. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and severity of spinal induced-hypotension in preeclamptics and healthy parturients. METHODS: Total of 78 patients (40 healthy and 38 preeclamptic) undergoing a C-Section with spinal anaesthesia were included. Spinal anaesthesia was performed with a mixture of 8-9 mg isobaric 0.5% bupivacaine, 20 mcg fentanyl and 100 mcg morphine (total volume 2.2-2.4 ml). Blood pressures (BP)-SBP, DBP, MAP were recorded non-invasively before performing spinal anaesthesia and at 2.5 minutes after a spinal puncture. RESULTS: The BP falls (%) from baseline were significantly greater in the healthy parturients compared to those with preeclampsia (25.8% ± 10.1 vs 18.8% ± 17.0 for SBP, 28.5% ± 8.8 vs 22.5% ± 10.4 for DBP, and 31.2% ± 14.2 vs 18.2% ± 12.6% for MAP, p < 0.05). The incidence rate of hypotension in the preeclamptics was 25% compared to 53% in healthy parturients (p < 0.001). Higher doses of vasopressors both ephedrine (16.5 ± 8.6 vs 6.0 ± 2.0 mg) and phenylephrine (105 ± 25 mg) in the healthy women were required. There was no need for phenylephrine treatment in the preeclamptic group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the incidence and severity of spinal-induced hypotension in preeclamptic patients are less than in healthy women. The use of low dose spinal anaesthesia also contributed to this statement

URBAN GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES IN EUROPE

Urban soil is generally contaminated to a variable degree depending on its proximity to contamination sources. Traffic is one of the main sources of urban contamination; lead (Pb) from the use of leaded petrol, zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) from tyre wear, antimony (Sb) from break pads, and the platinum group elements (PGEs) from the wear of catalytic converters, are some typical elements that often reach high concentrations in the urban environment. Lead was also a key ingredient in white paint, and in towns with a high proportion of white wooden houses very high concentrations were found in soil. Crematoria can or have emitted mercury (Hg). Coal and heavy oil fired municipal power and heating stations emit sulphur (S), silver (Ag), vanadium (V), bromine (Br) and barium (Ba). The use of impregnated wood may have resulted in high concentrations of arsenic (As), especially in kindergartens (nursery schools) and playgrounds. Building materials (plaster and paint) may also contain high concentrations of organic contaminants, especially polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which again end up in urban soil. Coal and wood burning, the use of diesel fuel, and the production of coke, all lead to the emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). There exist countless other sources of local contamination in towns, and there is thus every reason to be concerned about the quality of the urban environment, and the suitability of soil for sensitive land uses, such as schools, playgrounds, parks and vegetable gardens. Contaminated urban soil may contaminate indoor dust and, therefore, to an increased human exposure to toxic chemicals. Consequently, the distribution of toxic contaminants in urban soil needs to be documented and known by city administration to avoid costly mistakes in land use planning, and further spreading of highly contaminated materials. The EuroGeoSurveys \u2018Geochemistry\u2019 Expert Group during the compilation of a proposal to the Directors for a European wide urban geochemistry project, using a harmonised sampling and analytical methodology, it discovered that many urban geochemical studies have been performed in Europe by National Geological Surveys, which are not known to the wider geoscientific community. Since, the results of these studies are directly related to our quality of life, the EuroGeoSurveys \u2018Geo chemistry\u2019 Expert Group decided to publish at least one case study from each country in a book,which will be available in the second half of 2010. A concise description of some of these studies will be given in this paper

Geochemical atlases of Europe produced by the EuroGeoSurveys Geochemistry Expert Group: state of progress and potential uses.

An ‘Atlas’is a collection of maps usually published in a book form. A ‘Geochemical Atlas’is a thematic special purpose atlas with maps describing the geographical distribution of chemical elements and other physico-chemical parameters in different natural sample media, such as stream sediment, overbank or floodplain sediment, stream water, ground water, soil, plants, etc. Because our standard of living and health depend closely on the chemistry of near-surface materials, such atlases that provide data on the state of our environment are important for policy and decision makers, but also for researchers and citizens alike. The EuroGeoSurveys Geochemistry Expert Group is dedicated to provide harmonised multi-purpose geochemical data bases, and has already published the Geochemical Atlas of Europe, and is in the process of preparing the Atlas of Ground water eochemistry of Europe, and the Atlas of Agricultural and Grazing Land Soils. An important aspect is that all raw data, quality control information, statistics, maps and interpretation texts are freely available for downloading through the internet