Disposal of low- and intermediate-level waste in Switzerland: Basic aspects of potential relevance to microbial effects

Abstract

Current projects for the disposal of low-and intermediate-level radioactive waste in Switzerland are based on the concept of a horizontally accessed repository under a hillside. Most of the waste to be disposed of in such a repository is operational and decommissioning waste from nuclear power plants and wastes from medicine, industry and research. This waste is generally solidified in cement and placed in steel drums or concrete containers. Once the by the anaerobic corrosion of steel and by microbial degradation of organic material, to escape from the near field. Valanginian marl, which is one of three envisaged options for the host rock, is characterized by a high carbonate content, up to 75% in some locations. The organic content of the marl is between 1% and 2%, while pyrite is present in concentrations up to 5%. The groundwater is reducing, and its pH tends to lie in the neutral to slightly alkaline range. Potentially important microbial effects on the long-term performance of the system are microbial degradation of barrier materials and organics, the effect of microorganisms on sorption, and their role as catalysts.