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Development of Methodology to Evaluate Microbially Influenced Degradation of Cement-Solidified Low-Level Radioactive Waste Formsa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2011

Robert D. Rogers ,
M.A. Hamilton ,
R.H. Veeh  and
J.W. Mcconnell
Robert D. Rogers
Affiliation:
Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-2203
M.A. Hamilton
Affiliation:
Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-2203
R.H. Veeh
Affiliation:
Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-2203
J.W. Mcconnell
Affiliation:
Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-2203
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Abstract

Because of its apparent structural integrity, cement has been widely used in the United States as a binder to solidify Class B and C low-level radioactive waste (LLW). However, the resulting cement preparations are susceptible to failure due to the actions of stress and environment. An environmentally mediated process that could affect cement stability is the action of naturally occurring microorganisms. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), recognizing this eventuality, stated that the effects of microbial action on waste form integrity must be addressed.

This paper provides present results from an ongoing program that addresses the effects of microbially influenced degradation (MID) on cement-solidified LLW. Data are provided on the development of an evaluation method using acid-producing bacteria. Results are from work with one type of these bacteria, the sulfur-oxidizing Thiobacillus. This work involved the use of a system in which laboratory- and vendor-manufactured, simulated waste forms were exposed on an intermittent basis to media containing thiobacilli. Testing demonstrated that MID has the potential to severely compromise the structural integrity of ion-exchange resin and evaporator-bottoms waste that is solidified with cement. In addition, it was found that a significant percentage of calcium and other elements were leached from the treated waste forms. Also, the surface pH of the treated specimens decreased to below 2. These conditions apparently contributed to the physical deterioration of simulated waste forms after 60 days of exposure to the thiobacilli.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 333: Symposium V – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XVII , 1993 , 349
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1994

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References

REFERENCES

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