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Microbial Effects on the Radionuclide Transport in a Deep Nuclear Waste Repository

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 1992

Herve Spor
Affiliation:
Department of waste management and disposal, Centre d'Etudes Nucléaires de Cadarache, 13108 St PAUL LEZ DURANCE Cedex, FRANCE
M. Trescinski
Affiliation:
Department of waste management and disposal, Centre d'Etudes Nucléaires de Cadarache, 13108 St PAUL LEZ DURANCE Cedex, FRANCE
M.F. Libert
Affiliation:
Department of waste management and disposal, Centre d'Etudes Nucléaires de Cadarache, 13108 St PAUL LEZ DURANCE Cedex, FRANCE
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Abstract

This study deals with the effects of microorganisms on the transport of radionuclides under deep nuclear-waste disposal conditions. Metabolism of a cellulolytic microorganism is studied. Cellulose, as a carbon source, is representative of nuclear waste.

A pilot device allows the study of the general effect of microrganisms. Bioleaching of radionuclides by a fungal culture is performed on columns of clay and cement used as engineered barriers. Cesium and Uranium had been incorporated into matrices prior to the tests. Operating conditions have been choosen according to realistic conditions of a deep repository. The production of organic acids by microorganisms is qualitatively and quantitatively determined.

In addition, direct effects of microorganisms (biosorption, bioaccumulation) and indirect effects (complexing agents issued from the diodegradation of cellulose) on the transport and/or retardation of radionuclides are studied.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1993

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References

REFERENCES

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