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Aerobic Biodegradation Testing of Materials Using a Natural Marine Seawater Inoculum and Closed Loop Respirometer
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Biodegradation testing of radioactive waste forms.

R D Rogers1, J W McConnell

  • 1Biotechnology and Waste Management Groups, INEL, P.O. Box 1625, 83415, Idaho Falls, ID, USA.

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|November 20, 2013
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Biodegradation tests revealed that vinyl ester-styrene (VES) waste forms support microbial growth, unlike cement waste forms. Recommended testing methods are needed for accurate radioactive waste form integrity verification.

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Area of Science:

  • Radioactive waste management
  • Environmental science
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Radioactive waste forms require rigorous testing for long-term stability.
  • The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) mandates specific waste form testing protocols.
  • Ion exchange resins from contaminated water systems are a common radioactive waste component.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the biodegradation resistance of solidified radioactive waste forms.
  • To assess the suitability of American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) G21 and G22 procedures for waste form testing.
  • To determine if Portland cement and vinyl ester-styrene (VES) solidification agents affect microbial degradation.

Main Methods:

  • Manufactured small waste forms using Portland Type I-II cement and VES.
  • Used ion exchange resins contaminated with high levels of radioactive nuclides.
  • Conducted biodegradation tests following ASTM G21 and G22 procedures as specified by the NRC.
  • Evaluated microbial growth on the different waste form types.

Main Results:

  • Microbial growth was supported by the VES waste forms.
  • The tested organisms did not grow in the presence of cement waste forms.
  • The ASTM G21 and G22 tests were found unsuitable for the intended purpose of verifying waste form integrity.

Conclusions:

  • Vinyl ester-styrene (VES) waste forms may not be resistant to biodegradation.
  • Portland cement appears to inhibit microbial growth in tested conditions.
  • Current ASTM biodegradation tests are inadequate for assessing radioactive waste form integrity; alternative methods are necessary.