Biogeochemical Applications in Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Disposal
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Civil and Environmental Engineering
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 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.
Organisations
- University of Strathclyde (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Manchester (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW (Collaboration)
- Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM (Collaboration)
- Stanford University (Collaboration)
- Natural Environment Research Council (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- Resource Efficiency KTN (Project Partner)
Publications
El Mountassir G
(2018)
Applications of Microbial Processes in Geotechnical Engineering.
in Advances in applied microbiology
Brookshaw D
(2014)
Bioreduction of biotite and chlorite by a Shewanella species
in American Mineralogist
Tobler D
(2014)
Transport of Sporosarcina pasteurii in sandstone and its significance for subsurface engineering technologies
in Applied Geochemistry
Paterson-Beedle M
(2012)
Radiotolerance of phosphatases of a Serratia sp.: potential for the use of this organism in the biomineralization of wastes containing radionuclides.
in Biotechnology and bioengineering
Handley-Sidhu S
(2011)
Nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite bio-mineral for the treatment of strontium from aqueous solutions.
in Biotechnology letters
Skuce R
(2017)
Immobilization of nanoparticles by occlusion into microbial calcite
in Chemical Geology
Cuthbert M
(2012)
Controls on the rate of ureolysis and the morphology of carbonate precipitated by S. Pasteurii biofilms and limits due to bacterial encapsulation
in Ecological Engineering
Tobler D
(2012)
Microbially mediated plugging of porous media and the impact of differing injection strategies
in Ecological Engineering
Handley-Sidhu S
(2011)
Uptake of Sr2+ and Co2+ into biogenic hydroxyapatite: implications for biomineral ion exchange synthesis.
in Environmental science & technology
Handley-Sidhu S
(2014)
Bacterially produced calcium phosphate nanobiominerals: sorption capacity, site preferences, and stability of captured radionuclides.
in Environmental science & technology
Description | We are looking to replace traditional cements for sealing cracks in rocks to create barriers to water flow. Cements have a high carbon footprint. We have shown that we can use bacteria to precipitate minerals (calcium carbonate) to seal rock fractures instead. Calcium carbonate is natural mineral that is common the ground and is more environmentally friendly than cement. |
Exploitation Route | We are exploring a range of applications with industry. For example, sealing boreholes, shafts and tunnels in a nuclear waste repository. |
Sectors | Construction Energy Environment |
Description | The findings from this work have been used to propose a solution for restoration of the twelfth century Eglise Monolith, St. Emilion, France. This is a commercially in confidence project with the French ground engineering company Soletanche Bachy. The church is currently closed to the public due to concerns over structural safety; the building stone in the columns is sufficiently degraded as to be structurally unsound. We are proposing to inject bacteria and precipitate calcite to strength the existing building stone. A decision has not yet been made as to whether the proposal will be accepted. The findings from this research are also the subject of an ongoing partnership with BAM Nuttall. We are working to take the microbially induced calcite technology to market as a alternative to traditional ground improvement techniques and to rock fracture cement grouting. Additional funding has been secured from the Royal Academy of Engineering/BAM Nuttall (£475k to support a Professorial Fellowship) and the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (£187k). The new technology could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. |
Sector | Construction |
Impact Types | Cultural Economic |
Description | Big Pitch: Ground Engineering |
Amount | £200,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/M016854/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2014 |
End | 12/2016 |
Description | Delivering Enhanced Through-Life Nuclear Asset Management |
Amount | £2,160,698 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R004889/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2017 |
End | 10/2023 |
Description | Innovation award |
Amount | £187,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Construction Scotland Innovation Centre |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2018 |
End | 03/2020 |
Description | MICP for well sealing (Biogrouting of well leakage and migration pathways) |
Amount | £234,835 (GBP) |
Organisation | OGTC |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2018 |
End | 07/2019 |
Description | Royal Academy of Engineering Professorial Fellowship |
Amount | £475,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Royal Academy of Engineering |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2017 |
End | 10/2022 |
Description | Appointed as the sole expert hydrogeologist to the UK Committee for Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). |
Organisation | Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Advisor : Membership of public/government advisory/policy group or panel : Appointed as the sole expert hydrogeologist to the UK Committee for Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). CoRWM?s role is to provide independent expert scrutiny of Government implementation of the White Paper ?Managing Radioactive Waste Safely', including providing key recommendations to Government Ministers |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Collaboration with University of Stanford |
Organisation | Stanford University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are moving forward with several follow-on joint projects with Stanford. We will have research student exchange and will have access to their X-Ray CT scanner for a period of 1 year. |
Collaborator Contribution | Access to X-Ray CT scanner and multiphase flow apparatus. |
Impact | Journal paper currently in review. 4 joint PhD studentships 2 funded by strathclyde, 2 by Stanford |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Joint research with NERC |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from NERC |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Joint research with UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW |
Organisation | University of Glasgow |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Joint research with University of Birmingham |
Organisation | University of Birmingham |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from University of Birmingham |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Joint research with University of Cambridge |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from University of Cambridge |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Joint research with University of Manchester |
Organisation | University of Manchester |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from University of Manchester |
Start Year | 2009 |
Description | Appointed as expert hydrogeologist to the UK Committee for Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | My advice has contributed to a number of key decisions. Most recently, had a significant impact on the contents of the 2014 White Paper on Siting a Geological Disposal Facility in the UK Changes to the recent White Paper |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014 |
URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/committee-on-radioactive-waste-management |
Description | Vice Chair of the Royal Society of Edinburgh's Energy Inquiry "Scotland's Energy Future" |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | This is a major public inquiry seeking evidence on the way forward over the next 30 years in Scottish Energy Policy. We are considering all aspects of energy policy: new technologies, supply, demand, energy security, ethics, environmental and climate impacts etc. We have collected written evidence, we have a serious of planned bilateral meetings, we have met UK and Scottish Government and we have regional public meetings. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018 |
URL | https://www.rse.org.uk/energyinquiry/ |