Bacterial community in bentonite microcosms amended with uranyl nitrate and glycerol-2-phosphate

The multi-barrier deep geological repository system is currently considered as the safest option for the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes. Indigenous microorganisms of bentonites, used as artificial barrier, may affect the structure and stability of these clays through Fe-containing minerals biotransformation and radionuclides mobilization leading to their leaching. The present work aimed to investigate the behavior of bentonite and its bacterial community in the case of a uranium leak from the waste containers.