Microbially Induced Corrosion in Highly Saline Environments relevant to Disposal of Radioactive Waste

The environmental fate of radioactive contaminants in a geological disposal facility (GDF) for high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel is determined by the biogeochemical evolution of the GDF and the longevity of the multi-barrier system components including the waste-containing canister. In the UK, areas being explored for geological disposal are subject to high salinities, yet the extent of microbial activity and microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) under such salinity levels is not well understood, despite its importance for GDF integrity. Microcosm incubations were used to determine the potential impacts of halotolerant and halophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) communities on the biocorrosion of low carbon steel canister materials over an 84 day period.