Monitoring deep subsurface microbiota for assessment of safe long-term nuclear waste disposal

1996 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. White ◽  
David B. Ringelberg

Microbes with their resistance to heat and radioactivity, if present and metabolically active, could have major effects on the safety of nuclear waste disposal by posing potential problems in long-term containment. This paper reviews the applicability of the signature lipid biomarker (SLB) analysis in the quantitative assessment of the viable biomass, community composition, and nutritional/physiological status of the subsurface microbiota as it exists in situ in subsurface samples. The samples described in this review are not unlike those expected to be recovered from proposed deep subsurface disposal sites. Assessment of the microbial community ecology using SLB analysis can be utilized to predict potential problems engendered by microbial metabolic activities of these communities in breaching containment by microbially facilitated corrosion and in the potential for subsequent facilitated transport of nuclides into the environment. SLB analysis of the in situ microbial ecology can be utilized to monitor the feasibility of containment options in modeling tests at the specific disposal sites.Key words: nuclear waste, deep subsurface, microbiota, microbial corrosion, safe long-term storage, signature lipid biomarkers.

2006 ◽  
Vol 985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Toulhoat

AbstractAfter 30 years of research in the field of nuclear waste disposal, the remaining scientific issues are described. They include long-term monitoring during the reversible period, early coupled processes during the thermal phase, effect of hydrogen generated by corrosion, and volume expansion. The long term behavior of waste packages has been thoroughly investigated, but controversial issues have still to be resolved. In situ investigations concerning the speciation and migration of radionuclides are needed. Concerning the developement of future nuclear systems, a roadmap on waste management issues has to be established.


Géotechnique ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Gens ◽  
M. Sánchez ◽  
L. Do N. Guimarães ◽  
E. E. Alonso ◽  
A. Lloret ◽  
...  

1986 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.H. McKenzie ◽  
L.L. Cadwell ◽  
W.E. Jr. Kennedy ◽  
L.A. Prohammer ◽  
M.A. Simmons

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