Biogeochemical Applications in Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Disposal

该提案旨在探索利用微生物技术减少核设施退役和建造核废料储存库造成的污染风险。目的是利用土壤和岩石中存在的细菌的特殊性质，减少放射性核素（放射性污染物）在土壤和岩石中迁移的可能性。该项目将研究两种不同的细菌特性：（1）如何利用微生物将放射性核素捕获在土壤/岩石中，从而防止其进入人类环境。(2)如何鼓励一些细菌在土壤和岩石中产生矿物质（如方解石），从而阻塞流体流动的任何通道。我们将研究退役场地和处置库中的土壤和岩石，以更好地了解这些微生物学特性。该项目包括广泛的实验室研究（在受控条件下）和实地调查。矿物沉积和放射性核素捕获过程将利用磁共振技术等复杂技术进行三维时间和空间成像。将开发计算机模型来模拟发生的基本生物和化学过程。该项目的主要研究结果将直接造福于核工业和公众;减少放射性核素迁移的风险，并有助于经济的清理战略。

The proposal is aimed at exploring the use of microbial technologies to reduce risk of contamination from decommissioning of nuclear sites and construction of repositories for nuclear waste. The objective is to reduce the potential for migration of radionuclides (radioactive contaminants) in soils and rocks using special properties of the bacteria that are present in them. The project will investigate two different bacterial properties: (1) How micro-organisms can be used to trap radionuclides within the soil/rock and consequently prevent their transport to the human environment. (2) How some bacteria can be encouraged to produce minerals (e.g. calcite) in soils and rocks that will block any pathways for fluid flow. We will study soils and rocks expected in decommissioning sites and repositories to gain a better understanding of these microbiological properties. The project includes extensive laboratory research (under controlled conditions) and investigations in the field. The processes of mineral deposition and radionuclide capture will be imaged over time and space in three dimensions using complex technologies such as Magnetic Resonance techniques. Computer models will be developed to simulate the basic biological and chemical processes take place. The main findings of the project will directly benefit the nuclear industry and the public; reducing risks from radionuclide migration, and contributing to economical clean-up strategies.