The Microbiology of Subsurface, Salt-Based Nuclear Waste Repositories: Using Microbial Ecology, Bioenergetics, and Projected Conditions to Help Predict Microbial Effects on Repository Performance
- Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Rossendorf (Germany)
- Gesellschaft fur Anlagen und Reaktorsicherheit, Braunschweig (Germany)
This report summarizes the potential role of microorganisms in salt-based nuclear waste repositories using available information on the microbial ecology of hypersaline environments, the bioenergetics of survival under high ionic strength conditions, and “repository microbiology” related studies. In areas where microbial activity is in question, there may be a need to shift the research focus toward feasibility studies rather than studies that generate actual input for performance assessments. In areas where activity is not necessary to affect performance (e.g., biocolloid transport), repository-relevant data should be generated. Both approaches will lend a realistic perspective to a safety case/performance scenario that will most likely underscore the conservative value of that case.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC52-06NA25396
- OSTI ID:
- 1333126
- Report Number(s):
- LA-UR-16-28895; TRN: US1700749
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
PERFORMANCE
ECOLOGY
SALINE SOILS
MICROORGANISMS
FORECASTING
EXPERIMENT DESIGN
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Environmental Protection