Integrated molecular profiling to explore the microbiology of deep geological repository components for storage of used nuclear fuel

综合分子分析，探索用于储存废核燃料的深层地质储存库组件的微生物学

• 批准号: 567161-2021
• 负责人: Neufeld, JoshJD
• 金额: $ 29.63万
• 依托单位: University of Waterloo
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Alliance Grants
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=745405
• 关键词: Integrated; molecular; profiling; explore; microbiology

Established in 2002 by the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is responsible for the long-term management of all of Canada's used nuclear fuel. In accordance with international scientific consensus, this requires the construction of a deep geological repository (DGR) that employs a multi-barrier system. The proposed DGR will be constructed ~500 m below ground in a stable low-permeability host rock and will seal used fuel inside copper-coated carbon steel used fuel containers (UFCs) where carbon steel provides strength and copper confers corrosion protection. The UFCs will be placed within highly compacted bentonite (HCB) boxes and stored in underground emplacement rooms. Bentonite is a low permeability clay that swells when saturated with groundwater, making it an excellent sealing material. For long-term stability, it will be critical for both the engineered and natural barrier components of a DGR to minimize microbial growth and activity over geological timeframes. This NSERC Alliance proposal will involve coordinated sampling and analysis efforts to generate new insight into the microbiology of components of a DGR, possible host sites, and naturally occurring geological analogues for such systems. The proposed research will use cutting-edge microbiology and biogeochemical analytical techniques to explore microbial profiles and associated natural organic matter (NOM) profiles from subsurface rock and groundwater samples, which is an important step toward building a safety case for a potential DGR site. Experimental work with bentonite clay that is intended for use within the engineered barrier components will help identify signatures of microbial viability and persistence under the expected conditions. Microbial and NOM profiles from naturally occurring rock and water samples associated with geological repository analogue systems will also be studied to better predict the stability and activity of microorganisms. Overall, the research and deliverables proposed here will be essential for building a safety case that help with confident design and implementation of a DGR for permanent storage of Canada's high-level nuclear waste.

核废料管理组织（NWMO）于2002年成立于2002年，负责对加拿大所有使用的核燃料的长期管理。根据国际科学共识，这需要建造采用多级级级系统的深层地质存储库（DGR）。所提出的DGR将在稳定的低渗透率宿主岩石中构造约500 m的地下〜500 m，并将将使用的燃料密封在铜涂的碳钢二手燃料容器（UFC）内，其中碳钢可提供强度和铜赋予腐蚀保护。 UFC将放置在高度压实的膨润土（HCB）盒中，并存储在地下安置室中。膨润土是一种低渗透性粘土，在用地下水饱和时会膨胀，使其成为出色的密封材料。对于长期稳定性，对于DGR的工程和自然屏障组件而言，将微生物的生长和活性在地质时间范围内最小化至关重要。该NSERC联盟提案将涉及协调的抽样和分析工作，以产生对DGR组件的微生物学，可能的主机站点以及此类系统的自然地质类似物的新见解。拟议的研究将使用尖端的微生物学和生物地球化学分析技术来探索来自地下岩石和地下水样品的微生物谱以及相关的自然有机物（NOM）剖面，这是迈向潜在DGR站点的安全案例的重要一步。用于在工程屏障组件中使用的膨润土粘土的实验性工作将有助于确定在预期条件下的微生物生存能力和持久性的特征。还将研究来自与地质存储库系统相关的自然存在的岩石和水样品的微生物和NOM谱，以更好地预测微生物的稳定性和活性。总体而言，这里提出的研究和可交付成果对于建立安全案例至关重要，该案例有助于对加拿大高级核废料永久存储的自信设计和实施。