Bioavailability and Molecular Structure of Organic Carbon in Bentonite

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The Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is tasked with developing a plan for the long-term storage of Canada's used nuclear fuel. This includes the development of an engineered barrier system for the storage of used fuel bundles that consists of used fuel containers packed in bentonite clay within a deep geologic repository (DGR) 500m below ground. Bentonite clay has a high affinity to swell and to retain any radionucleotides that may leak. Bentonite clay also contains natural organic matter which may support microbial activity in a DGR and result in corrosion of the used fuel containers. Therefore, a detailed investigation of natural organic matter chemistry and bioavailability is needed. The proposed research between the NWMO and University of Toronto researchers will investigate how organic matter in bentonite may be altered with: compaction, temperature, salinity, radiation, and how heterogeneous organic matter in bentonite may be. Highly sophisticated analytical tools will be used to assess how organic matter chemistry may be altered through these simulated DGR conditions. This information will be used to inform and further develop the long-term plan for Canada's nuclear waste storage. A long-term and sustainable plan for Canada's used nuclear fuel will ensure the safe disposal of this waste and provide a direct benefit to all Canadians.