Indian Science Cruiser

N. R. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 P -60, Green View, Kolkata-700084, IN

Abstract

The nuclear fission of an element usually uranium in a reactor under controlled conditions releases huge amount of nuclear energy which is primarily being used to produce electricity and in myriad beneficial uses for mankind. Since the beginning of production of nuclear electricity in 1950s, at present, 442 nuclear power reactors are in operation in 31 countries with minimum intensity of life-cycle greenhouse gas emission. Currently the fission reactors provide about 11% of the world's total electricity consumption.

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N. R. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata-700064, IN

Abstract

On earth, radioactivity is a part of the environment and the human life is always exposed to both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. The naturally occurring radioactive elements, uranium and thorium, along with their decay progenies, the cosmic radiation from outer space and the human body itself, are the primary sources of natural radiation in everyday life. The man-made radioactive techniques such as medical imaging, radiotherapy, radiography, etc., developed for human benefits, comprise the main sources of artificial radiation. Extent of radiation exposure to inhabitants in different parts of the world varies depending on the occurrences of the radioactive geologic sources as well as on the availability of the beneficial nuclear facilities to the users. The ionizing radiations such as X-rays, α, β, or γ – rays, at higher doses, are generally harmful to people. On average, the natural radiation exposure dose to humans is ~ 3 mSv per year.

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N. R. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata – 700 064, IN

Abstract

Peaceful non-power applications of nuclear energy released in the nuclear decay processes and the radiations emitted therein, in general, play a prominent role in modernization of human society. The energetic ion beams like electron, proton and heavy ions as well as the neutrons produced in particle accelerators help in improving the quality of varieties of industrial products and environmental materials and also in creating specific materials like superconductors with exquisite properties through material modification.

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N. R. Das ¹

Affiliations
1 Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF, Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700064, IN

Abstract

The idea of ‘green activities’ involving conservation of natural resources and preservation of human environment, although originated earlier in mid-twentieth century, the systematic studies on green chemical processes and prevention of pollution actually started in 1998 with the introduction of 12 Principles by Anastas and others. Eventually, the ‘green activities’ in chemistry have been developed into a field of basic research in chemical science known as Green Chemistry. It stresses on maximization in production of the desired product by minimizing the generation of undesirable products and wastes at minimum cost of energy. It also prefers prevention of pollution instead of disposal of the hazardous waste after its formation.

Keywords

Green Chemistry, Green, Chemistry, green activity, pollution prevention, clean, sustainable, atom economy.

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