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Category: Environmental Microbiology
Bioremediation of Radionuclide-Containing Wastewaters, Page 1 of 2
< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555818098/9781555811952_Chap13-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555818098/9781555811952_Chap13-2.gifAbstract:
This chapter highlights the key steps in the nuclear fuel cycle where biological treatment strategies may replace or augment existing chemical processes. Radionuclide-containing wastes are produced at all steps in the nuclear fuel cycle. The mechanisms of microbial interactions with key radionuclides in the wastes are discussed alongside the possible antagonistic effects of other organic and inorganic species copresented in solution. Although emphasis is placed on the development of "end-of-pipe" treatments, the application of biological agents in the detoxification of already polluted ecosystems via in situ bioremediation is also highlighted. Microorganisms can interact with radionuclides via several mechanisms, some of which may be used as the basis of potential bioremediation strategies. The major types of interaction are summarized in this chapter. Technical challenges associated with large-scale clean-up of highly complex wastes must be overcome prior to the full commercial realization of the technologies currently under consideration. The chapter summarizes the major technical challenges. Since biosorption of uranium has been covered extensively in the literature and since biosorbents relate in general to structural, not metabolic, aspects of the biomass, this chapter notes only a few recent developments. To implement biotechnology to treat large areas contaminated with historic waste, the challenges are to gain a better understanding of microbial communities at site and devise effective methods of stimulating or augmenting microbial activities required in situ.
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The nuclear fuel cycle.
The nuclear fuel cycle.
Mechanisms of radionuclide-microbe interactions.
Mechanisms of radionuclide-microbe interactions.
Biosorbents for U(VI) a
Biosorbents for U(VI) a
Microbial systems reported to reduce U(VI) to U(IV)
Microbial systems reported to reduce U(VI) to U(IV)