Eng. Barriers for Geo. Disposal of Rad. Waste - Microbial interactions & their limits with THM-Chemical Processes at the Canister/Bentonite Interface

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Geological disposal of radioactive waste requires the development of a multi-barrier system to protect the waste in the long term. In this system an impermeable barrier of bentonite clay will surround steel waste canisters. Our previous work examined the geochemistry associated with steel corrosion and its effect on the bentonite's geotechnical properties. While barrier integrity was not considered an issue, results suggested that environments suitable for microbial activity may be possible at barrier interfaces with unknown consequences. This project will investigate the range and environmental limits of microbial interactions within such storage infrastructure, specifically in terms of corrosion, geotechnical properties and general metabolic functions in the context of long term geochemical and physical developments.