UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Nuclear power plants produce relatively low direct carbon emissions during normal operation. However, they generate radioactive wastes that remain hazardous for very long periods. Ensuring safe storage, transport and ultimate disposal of this waste poses technical, financial and institutional challenges. Thus, the long-term management of radioactive waste is widely recognised as a major environmental and health concern linked to nuclear power generation.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because nuclear plants emit far less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel plants per unit of energy produced. While there are emissions in construction and fuel processing, large direct CO₂ release is not their defining environmental problem.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect since sulphur dioxide and soot are characteristic emissions from coal and oil combustion. Properly operated nuclear reactors do not release these pollutants in stack gases.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect because although nuclear plants require significant cooling water, they are usually sited and managed to avoid completely depleting groundwater resources. Water use is an issue but not the unique long-term hazard compared with radioactive waste.

Option D:
Option D is correct as it points to the persistent hazard of long-lived radionuclides. Safe containment must be maintained over time scales far exceeding normal infrastructure lifetimes, making this a central issue in debates over nuclear energy.