Article
Chemistry, Physical
Adam R. Brandt
Summary: Natural geologic hydrogen (H2) has the potential to provide climate-friendly energy. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of a generic H2 production and processing system, considering factors such as gas composition and reservoir parameters. The results indicate that the CH4 content and other factors, such as energy sources and waste management, significantly affect GHG emissions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Victor Malkovsky, Axel Liebscher, Thomas Nagel, Fabien Magri
Summary: This study investigates the impact of tectonic perturbations on the transport of radionuclides in groundwater from a deep-mined repository of radioactive waste. Mathematical modeling is used to simulate the groundwater flow and radionuclide migration. The results suggest that the emergence of faults due to tectonic activity does not necessarily lead to a substantial release of radionuclides. The safety of the repository depends on the distance between the fault and the repository, as well as the timing of the fault emergence. Local elevations of the relief at the repository site can also significantly influence the safety of the repository.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Elena Abramova, Nadezhda Popova, Grigory Artemiev, Kirill Boldyrev, Konstantin Kazakov, Dmitry Kryuchkov, Alexey Safonov
Summary: This article discusses the impact of microorganisms on the stability of cement, clay, and steel engineering safety barriers in a deep geological repository for radioactive waste in Russia. The study found that microbial processes such as steel corrosion, cement degradation, and changes in clay properties are likely to occur. The article also highlights the importance of clay materials in engineering barrier safety and proposes biocidal additives to suppress microbial activity.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jorge A. Garcia-Hernandez, Kumaraswamy Ponnambalam, Mythreyi Sivaraman
Summary: This study approximates the reduction of sulphate to sulphide caused by SRB in a deep geological repository in Canada to calculate the expected lifetime of UFCs. The use of first-order kinetics to account for SRB-induced sulphide production is a novel approach. Results show that the mean lifetimes of UFCs are above one million years in both scenarios, but further research and experiments are needed for more accurate results.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
D. M. Brooks, L. P. Swiler, E. Stein, P. E. Mariner, E. Basurto, T. Portone, A. Eckert, R. Leone
Summary: This paper introduces the use of the Geologic Disposal Safety Assessment Framework and demonstrates how it addresses the challenges of high uncertainty and limited computational resources. The effects of spatial heterogeneity on system behavior are investigated using global sensitivity analysis and ratios of water fluxes. The results show that spatial heterogeneity is the main uncertainty in predicting repository performance.
ADVANCES IN WATER RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
K. A. Daniels, J. F. Harrington, P. Sellin, S. Norris
Summary: Bentonites are commonly proposed for use in the geological disposal of high heat generating radioactive wastes. This study examined the effect of elevated temperature on the development of swelling and swelling pressure of sodium-activated MX80 bentonite samples, finding that even under extreme conditions, the bentonite was able to swell and completely fill void spaces. Heating the bentonite reduced test duration by about 60%, likely due to a reduction in the viscosity of the test permeant at higher temperatures.
APPLIED CLAY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elizaveta Klein, Susie M. L. Hardie, Wolfgang Kickmaier, Ian G. McKinley
Summary: A critical aspect of selecting sites for deep geological repositories for high-level radioactive waste is their ability to slow down the migration of radionuclides released from engineered barriers. Models play a crucial role in connecting field observations and laboratory studies on rock/water/radionuclide interactions. Despite remaining uncertainties, utilizing knowledge from anthropogenically contaminated sites can enhance safety cases for geological repositories.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Hyun-Kyu Lee, Dong-Han Yoo, Sang-Eun Jo, Sang-June Choi
Summary: The study investigated the removal of nitrate using a magnetic adsorbent m-MWCNTs, finding that nitrate adsorption increased with higher magnetite content on the surface of MWCNTs. The adsorption process followed Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics, with pH being the main condition determining the adsorption amount.
PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Kate E. Thatcher, Alexander E. Bond, Simon Norris
Summary: The study focuses on the impact of thermal stress changes in radioactive waste disposal facilities on the host rock, with numerical modelling investigating the stress states of rocks under different parameter combinations. The results show that horizontal fracturing between host rocks is unlikely under the disposal concept discussed, with ground surface uplift ranging from 9-13 cm.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND MINING SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yazeed Alashban, Nasser Shubayr
Summary: This study estimated the activity release from a hypothetical OP-LWR near surface disposal repository in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The mathematical model considered six cement barriers and factors such as water infiltration, hydraulic conductivity, specific mass, porosity of cement, local geosphere, and radioactive waste inventory. The results showed a direct proportionality between distribution coefficient, retardation factor, and mean time to collapse, with nickel having the highest mean time to collapse among all radionuclides in the model. The highest activity release in the biosphere was found to be 1:1 x 10^4 Bq for Tc-99 after 1300 years.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
International Relations
Zoe Braden, Allison Macfarlane
Summary: Selecting a site for a deep geologic repository for high-level nuclear waste in Canada is a challenging process, complicated by social tensions and diverse geological and socioeconomic landscapes. The country is currently considering two potential sites in northern and southern Ontario, with a decision expected in 2024. This review explores the consent-based process, the complexities of obtaining consent in Canada, and the remaining hurdles.
BULLETIN OF THE ATOMIC SCIENTISTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Litao Wang, Jianfeng Cheng, Chenyang Bao, Yanhui Wang, Qiao Jiang, Yuelong Pan, Yu Liu, Tao Hong, Xianguo Tuo, Yangchun Leng
Summary: This paper investigates the influence of groundwater on the diffusion and migration of radionuclides in a repository. By conducting experiments and using a groundwater modeling system (GMS), a three-dimensional geological model of the repository is established. The results show that the longest migration distances of Cs-137 and Co-60 within 500 years are 146.66 m and 145.04 m, respectively. This research is of great significance for ensuring the long-term safe operation of this type of waste repository.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Enrico Borgogno-Mondino, Andrea Borgia, Corrado Cigolini
Summary: Italy has recently initiated the process to select suitable sites for a National Repository for Low-Medium Activity Radioactive Wastes, but issues have arisen regarding the selection, especially with the analysis of the TO-10 site. Official data from open archives plays a crucial role in the selection process, but there are several critical points in the Sogin procedure.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Min-Jun Kim, Gi-Jun Lee, Seok Yoon
Summary: In deep geological disposal system designs, employing an enhanced buffer material can reduce the installation area for cost effectiveness. Research results indicate that under specific temperature and thermal conductivity conditions, the buffer material can effectively decrease the spacing between disposal tunnels and deposition holes.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Luqiang He, Xiangyun Zhou, De'an Sun
Summary: Temperature evolution is essential for the safe operation and design of high-level radioactive waste disposal repositories. A three-dimensional two-layer axisymmetric heat transfer model was developed to study the temperature evolution in a single canister scenario. By utilizing mathematical techniques such as the finite Fourier sine transform, separation of variables, and Duhamel's theorem, a fully analytical solution was derived, providing a visual representation of temperature variation over time and space. The model and solution were validated through comparison with existing heat source solutions, semi-analytical solutions, and finite element simulations. The effect of increasing canister spacing was found to be more significant in reducing peak temperature than increasing tunnel spacing, with the effectiveness of both methods diminishing as the spacings increased.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Tom Rogiers, Jurgen Claesen, Axel Van Gompel, Nathalie Vanhoudt, Mohamed Mysara, Adam Williamson, Natalie Leys, Rob Van Houdt, Nico Boon, Kristel Mijnendonckx
Summary: This study investigated the impact of long-term phosphate and nuclear industry discharges on the microbial community in the Grote Nete river basin in Belgium. It found that the structure and functionality of the microbial community in contaminated locations were affected by the pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Rob Van Houdt, Joachim Vandecraen, Natalie Leys, Pieter Monsieurs, Abram Aertsen
Summary: The mutant of Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 adapted to high zinc concentrations, named CH34(ZnR), not only showed higher resistance to zinc, but also to cadmium. Seven insertion sequence-mediated mutations were found in the mutant, one of which disrupting the glpR gene resulted in the constitutive expression of an ABC-type transporter. This study suggests that upregulation of the ABC-type transporter is a new adaptation route towards metal resistance.
Article
Microbiology
Charles S. Cockell, Rosa Santomartino, Kai Finster, Annemiek C. Waajen, Natasha Nicholson, Claire-Marie Loudon, Lorna J. Eades, Ralf Moeller, Petra Rettberg, Felix M. Fuchs, Rob Van Houdt, Natalie Leys, Ilse Coninx, Jason Hatton, Luca Parmitano, Jutta Krause, Andrea Koehler, Nicol Caplin, Lobke Zuijderduijn, Alessandro Mariani, Stefano Pellari, Fabrizio Carubia, Giacomo Luciani, Michele Balsamo, Valfredo Zolesi, Jon Ochoa, Pia Sen, James A. J. Watt, Jeannine Doswald-Winkler, Magdalena Herova, Bernd Rattenbacher, Jennifer Wadsworth, R. Craig Everroad, Rene Demets
Summary: The study found that under different gravity conditions, Sphingomonas desiccabilis and Bacillus subtilis enhanced the leaching of vanadium by 184.92% to 283.22% compared to sterile controls. Gravity did not significantly affect the mean leaching rate, demonstrating the potential for biomining on Solar System objects.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tom Rogiers, Mohamed L. Merroun, Adam Williamson, Natalie Leys, Rob Van Houdt, Nico Boon, Kristel Mijnendonckx
Summary: Cupriavidus metallidurans actively captures and precipitates uranium in its biomass, showing resistance to uranium. Transcriptome sequencing reveals a complex transcriptional response, including upregulation of stress-related proteins and metal resistance genes in response to uranium exposure.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zezhen Pan, Yvonne Roebbert, Aaron Beck, Barbora Bartova, Tonya Vitova, Stefan Weyer, Rizlan Bernier-Latmani
Summary: This study investigates the isotope fractionation of uranium (U) during reduction and the mineral dynamics of iron oxides. The results suggest that heavy isotopes preferentially accumulate in reduced U species, while light isotopes are more easily released to the surface or aqueous phase. Moreover, the mineral dynamics of iron oxides may leave an imprint on the isotopic signature.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Emma Bell, Tiina Lamminmaki, Johannes Alneberg, Chen Qian, Weili Xiong, Robert L. Hettich, Manon Frutschi, Rizlan Bernier-Latmani
Summary: Microbial life and active anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) have been discovered in the deep terrestrial subsurface of the Fennoscandian Shield at Olkiluoto, Finland. This finding provides direct evidence of microbial activity fueled by methane and sulfur in deep bedrock.
Article
Ecology
Karen Viacava, Jiangtao Qiao, Andrew Janowczyk, Suresh Poudel, Nicolas Jacquemin, Karin Lederballe Meibom, Him K. Shrestha, Matthew C. Reid, Robert L. Hettich, Rizlan Bernier-Latmani
Summary: This study identified microorganisms actively methylating arsenic in anoxic soil-derived microbial cultures using metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics. The researchers isolated a strain of Paraclostridium sp. EML, which was confirmed to actively methylate arsenic anaerobically.
Review
Microbiology
Tom Rogiers, Rob Van Houdt, Adam Williamson, Natalie Leys, Nico Boon, Kristel Mijnendonckx
Summary: Environmental uranium pollution is a global concern, posing hazards to ecosystems and humans. Microorganisms can influence the mobility and toxicity of uranium, and understanding their molecular mechanisms can improve bioremediation technologies.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Gleb Goussarov, Jurgen Claesen, Mohamed Mysara, Ilse Cleenwerck, Natalie Leys, Peter Vandamme, Rob Van Houdt
Summary: This study developed a novel approach called MAGISTA, which assesses the quality of metagenome-assembled genomes based on alignment-free distance distributions between contig fragments. MAGISTA achieved a 20% reduction in root-mean-square error compared to the marker gene approach when tested on publicly available mock metagenomes. Additionally, the highly complex genomic DNA mock community used in the study serves as a valuable tool for benchmarking (new) metagenome analysis methods.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Margaux Molinas, Karin Lederballe Meibom, Radmila Faizova, Marinella Mazzanti, Rizlan Bernier-Latmani
Summary: The biological reduction of soluble U(VI) complexes to form immobile U(IV) species is a potential method for remediating contaminated sites. Multiheme c-type cytochromes (MHCs) have been identified as key mediators of electron transfer to aqueous phase U(VI) complexes in bacteria such as Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Recent studies have revealed the role of MHCs in the reduction process and the stabilization of U(V)-dpaea species in aqueous solution. This research aims to clarify the involvement of MHCs and determine the mechanism of solid phase U(VI)-dpaea reduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Filippo Miele, Paolo Benettin, Simiao Wang, Ivan Retti, Mitra Asadollahi, Manon Frutschi, Binayak Mohanty, Rizlan Bernier-Latmani, Andrea Rinaldo
Summary: Redox cycles measured through soil redox potential are associated with soil microbial activity. This study investigates the interplay between soil moisture and redox potential dynamics by manipulating hydrologic and geochemical conditions in soil column installations. The findings highlight the importance of understanding joint hydrologic flow/transport and redox processes in predicting redox potential changes and the minimum amount of biogeochemistry needed for characterizing electron donors/acceptors responsible for redox patterns. The study's results improve our understanding of how and where activity hotspots develop within soil microbial communities.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charlotte Segers, Mohamed Mysara, Amelie Coolkens, Shari Wouters, Sarah Baatout, Natalie Leys, Sarah Lebeer, Mieke Verslegers, Felice Mastroleo
Summary: We investigated the protective effects of Limnospira indica PCC 8005 against radiation-induced mucositis and dysbiosis. Our results showed that both L. indica PCC 8005 and L. rhamnosus GG could prevent radiation-induced dysbiosis. This study suggests that L. indica PCC 8005 is a potential radiomitigator for pelvic irradiation-induced dysbiosis.
Article
Plant Sciences
Cecile Renaud, Natalie Leys, Ruddy Wattiez
Summary: The space environment is hostile to plant growth and survival, but photosynthetic microorganisms are seen as a solution to support plant development and tolerance in closed environments, like those designed for space colonization. Studying their abilities, application methodologies, and best strains for space agriculture may lead to a sustainable and efficient approach for food production, while also contributing to oxygen production and waste recycling in closed loop systems.
JOURNAL OF PLANT INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ashley R. Brown, Margaux Molinas, Yvonne Roebbert, Ataru Sato, Minori Abe, Stefan Weyer, Rizlan Bernier-Latmani
Summary: A study using a model uranium-reducing bacterium reveals that the abundance of electron donors from organic matter controls uranium isotope fractionation during bacterial reduction, which may have influenced uranium isotopic signatures in the rock record.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Kristel Mijnendonckx, Nele Bleyen, Axel Van Gompel, Ilse Coninx, Natalie Leys
Summary: A fraction of stored radioactive waste in Belgium contains NaNO3 dispersed in a bituminous matrix. Its geological disposal in Boom Clay may cause high NaNO3 concentrations, affecting the clay’s characteristics. Hyper-alkaline conditions by cementitious materials used as backfill could result in microbial nitrate reduction that decreases reducing capacity. Two microbial communities were tested at different pH levels and nitrate concentrations, showing that microbial activity varied with pH and phosphate availability.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)