Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

What are the environmental effects of nuclear power? How do they compare to the effects of oil and natural gas?

Hello. Excellent research questions. Are there specific questions or problems you would like our help with?

How does the effects on the atmosphere of air emissions from the uranium enrichment process compare to that of oil refining? Hope this is more specific. Thanks

Hi Ben. You are asking research questions. Have you tried to find this information out on your own? Where have you looked, and what have you found? Tell us more about what you have done so far, where are you in your project, and what you've found in your research. Are you having problems with any of these areas? Have you started thinking about your test set up? If so, tell us about this.

We are here to help you if you are having problems in a specific area (research, test set up, etc); but we like to know what you have accomplished first.

Thanks!

Hi there I am doing a research project on Nuclear Power, and I am finished with all of my research. However, I am still in need of an "expert source". I have found out that the uranium refining process releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as does the combustion the fossil fuels. However throughout my research, I have not been able to find any unbiased reliable information on the environmental effects of the uranium refining process vs. the environmental effects of oil refining. Therefore, I would in effect "kill two birds with one stone" by getting an expert source and getting reliable information about the the environmental effects of nuclear power. This is simply a research project and requires no experiments, therefore if you could help me out with this specific question, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Ben

Hi Ben. I am afraid I am not a nuclear expert. Perhaps someone else will chime in. Do you live near a nuclear plant? Research the universities in your area. If they have a nuclear science program, that would be another option.

I found this website, and I think it would be a good source for you. At the bottom is a name and number to contact for further information. He might be able to help you, as well. For more sources, have you tried doing a google search for "how does nuclear power affect the environment?" Try it. That's how I found this website.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/nuclear/pa ... ssues.html

Also, look at the department of energy site. This could give you ideas of where to look further for resources and points of contact.
http://www.sc.doe.gov/

I'm sorry I can't help you more, but I hope this will point you in the right direction. Good luck!