Potential microbial influence on the performance of subsurface, salt-based nuclear waste repositories

Swanson, Juliet S.; Bader, Miriam; Cherkouk, Andrea

doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-818695-4.00005-8

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 99 publications

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“…g . sorption, reduction/oxidation, accumulation or change of the speciation [ 5 – 8 ]. The combination of these processes can be described simplified as cell-related bioassociation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a result, radionuclides can enter the surrounding host rock and interact with microorganisms. Microbes can influence the solubility and hence, the mobility of radionuclides by different processes, e. g. sorption, reduction/oxidation, accumulation or change of the speciation [5][6][7][8]. The combination of these processes can be described simplified as cell-related bioassociation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Microscopic and spectroscopic bioassociation study of uranium(VI) with an archaeal Halobacterium isolate

et al. 2022

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The safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste in a deep geological repository is a huge social and technical challenge. So far, one of the less considered factors needed for a long-term risk assessment, is the impact of microorganisms occurring in the different host rocks. Even under the harsh conditions of salt formations different bacterial and archaeal species were found, e. g. Halobacterium sp. GP5 1–1, which has been isolated from a German rock salt sample. The interactions of this archaeon with uranium(VI), one of the radionuclides of major concern for the long-term storage of high-level radioactive waste, were investigated. Different spectroscopic techniques, as well as microscopy, were used to examine the occurring mechanisms on a molecular level leading to a more profound process understanding. Batch experiments with different uranium(VI) concentrations showed that the interaction is not only a simple, but a more complex combination of different processes. With the help of in situ attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy the association of uranium(VI) onto carboxylate groups was verified. In addition, time-resolved laser-induced luminescence spectroscopy revealed the formation of phosphate and carboxylate species within the cell pellets as a function of the uranium(VI) concentration and incubation time. The association behavior differs from another very closely related halophilic archaeon, especially with regard to uranium(VI) concentrations. This clearly demonstrates the importance of studying the interactions of different, at first sight very similar, microorganisms with uranium(VI). This work provides new insights into the microbe-uranium(VI) interactions at highly saline conditions relevant to the long-term storage of radioactive waste in rock salt.

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“…g . sorption, reduction/oxidation, accumulation or change of the speciation [ 5 – 8 ]. The combination of these processes can be described simplified as cell-related bioassociation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microscopic and spectroscopic bioassociation study of uranium(VI) with an archaeal Halobacterium isolate

et al. 2022

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Radioactive waste microbiology: predicting microbial survival and activity in changing extreme environments

Gregory,

Mackie,

Barnett

2024

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

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The potential for microbial activity to occur within the engineered barrier system (EBS) of a geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste is acknowledged by waste management organisations as it has the potential to affect many aspects of the safety functions of a GDF. Microorganisms within an EBS will be exposed to changing temperature, pH, radiation, salinity, saturation and availability of nutrient and energy sources, which can limit microbial survival and activity. Some of the limiting conditions are incorporated into GDF designs for safety reasons, including: the high pH of cementitious repositories, the limited pore space of bentonite-based repositories or the high salinity of GDFs in evaporitic geologies. Other environmental conditions such as elevated radiation, temperature and desiccation arise as a result of the presence of high heat generating waste (HHGW). Here, we present a comprehensive review of how environmental conditions in the EBS may limit microbial activity, covering HHGW and lower heat generating waste (LHGW) in a range of geological environments. We present data from the literature on the currently recognised limits to life for each of the environmental conditions described above, and nutrient availability to establish the potential for life in these environments. Using examples where each variable has been modelled for a particular GDF, we outline the times and locations when that variable can be expected to limit microbial activity. Finally, we show how this information for multiple variables can be used to improve our understanding of the potential for microbial activity to occur within the EBS of a GDF, and more broadly to understand microbial life in changing environments exposed to multiple extreme conditions.

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Potential microbial influence on the performance of subsurface, salt-based nuclear waste repositories

Cited by 2 publications

References 99 publications

Microscopic and spectroscopic bioassociation study of uranium(VI) with an archaeal Halobacterium isolate

Microscopic and spectroscopic bioassociation study of uranium(VI) with an archaeal Halobacterium isolate

Radioactive waste microbiology: predicting microbial survival and activity in changing extreme environments

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