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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/G063699/1
Title Biogeochemical Applications in Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Disposal
Status Completed
Energy Categories Nuclear Fission and Fusion(Nuclear Fission, Nuclear supporting technologies) 100%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences) 35%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Civil Engineering) 30%;
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences) 35%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 75%;
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions) 25%;
Principal Investigator Prof RJ (Rebecca ) Lunn
No email address given
Civil Engineering
University of Strathclyde
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 July 2009
End Date 30 June 2013
Duration 48 months
Total Grant Value £1,863,926
Industrial Sectors Energy
Region Scotland
Programme Energy : Energy
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Prof RJ (Rebecca ) Lunn , Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde (99.987%)
  Other Investigator Dr MD Mantle , Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge (0.001%)
Professor LE MacAskie , Sch of Biosciences, University of Birmingham (0.001%)
Professor RAD Pattrick , Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester (0.001%)
Professor DJ Vaughan , Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester (0.001%)
Dr JC Renshaw , Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences, University of Birmingham (0.001%)
Professor R Mackay , Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences, University of Birmingham (0.001%)
Mr MS Riley , Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences, University of Birmingham (0.001%)
Professor J. H. Tellam , Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences, University of Birmingham (0.001%)
Dr J M West , Environment and Health, British Geological Survey (BGS) - NERC (0.001%)
Mr K (Keith ) Bateman , Environment and Health, British Geological Survey (BGS) - NERC (0.001%)
Dr VR Phoenix , Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow (0.001%)
Dr MJ Sanchez , Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde (0.001%)
Dr M (Michael ) Johns , School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, University of Western Australia (0.001%)
  Recognised Researcher Dr RB Greswell , University of Birmingham (0.000%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , Resource Efficiency KTN (0.000%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract 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 radionuclideswithin 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
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 16/02/09