Biogeochemical Applications in Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Disposal

Completed

Nuclear Fission and Fusion(Nuclear Fission, Nuclear supporting technologies)

Basic and strategic applied research

BIOLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Biological Sciences)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Civil Engineering)
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences)

Not Cross-cutting
Sociological economical and environmental impact of energy (Environmental dimensions)

Prof RJ Lunn
Civil Engineering
University of Strathclyde

Standard

EPSRC

01 July 2009

30 June 2013

48 months

£1,863,926

Energy

Scotland

Energy : Energy

Prof RJ Lunn, Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde

Mr K Bateman, Environment and Health, British Geological Survey (BGS) - NERC
Professor LE MacAskie, Sch of Biosciences, University of Birmingham
Professor R Mackay, Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences, University of Birmingham
Dr MD Mantle, Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge
Professor RAD Pattrick, Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester
Dr VR Phoenix, Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow
Dr JC Renshaw, Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences, University of Birmingham
Mr MS Riley, Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences, University of Birmingham
Dr MJ Sanchez, Civil Engineering, University of Strathclyde
Professor J. H. Tellam, Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences, University of Birmingham
Professor DJ Vaughan, Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester
Dr J M West, Environment and Health, British Geological Survey (BGS) - NERC

Dr RB Greswell, University of Birmingham

Project Contact, Resource Efficiency KTN

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

16/02/09