Microbial Gas Generation Under Expected Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Repository Conditions: Final Report

Gillow, J. B. ; Francis, A.

Brookhaven National Laboratory

关键词: Cellulose;    Wipp;    Plastics;    Wastes;    54 Environmental Sciences;   

RP-ID  :  BNL--96148-2011-IR
RP-ID  :  DE-AC02-98CH10886
RP-ID  :  1026774

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Gas generation from the microbial degradation of the organic constituents of transuranic (TRU) waste under conditions expected in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) was investigated. The biodegradation of mixed cellulosic materials and electron-beam irradiated plastic and rubber materials (polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, hypalon, leaded hypalon, and neoprene) was examined. We evaluated the effects of environmental variables such as initial atmosphere (air or nitrogen), water content (humid ({approx}70% relative humidity, RH) and brine inundated), and nutrient amendments (nitogen phosphate, yeast extract, and excess nitrate) on microbial gas generation. Total gas production was determined by pressure measurement and carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) and methane (CH{sub 4}) were analyzed by gas chromatography; cellulose degradation products in solution were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Microbial populations in the samples were determined by direct microscopy and molecular analysis. The results of this work are summarized.