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Technical Basis for Assessing Uranium Bioremediation Performance (NUREG/CR-6973)
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Publication Information
Manuscript Completed: April 2008
Date Published: August 2008
Prepared by
P.E. Long, S.B. Yabusaki, P.D. Meyer, C.J. Murray
A.L. N’Guessan
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Richland, WA 99352
M. Fuhrmann, NRC Project Manager
RC Job Code N6504
Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research
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Abstract
In situ bioremediation of uranium holds significant promise for effective stabilization of U(VI)
from groundwater at reduced cost compared to conventional pump and treat. This promise is
unlikely to be realized unless researchers and practitioners successfully predict and
demonstrate the long-term effectiveness of uranium bioremediation protocols. Field research to
date has focused on both proof of principle and a mechanistic level of understanding. Current
practice typically involves an engineering approach using proprietary amendments that focuses
mainly on monitoring U(VI) concentration for a limited time period. Given the complexity of
uranium biogeochemistry and uranium secondary minerals, and the lack of documented case
studies, a systematic monitoring approach using multiple performance indicators is needed.
This document provides an overview of uranium bioremediation, summarizes design
considerations, and identifies and prioritizes field performance indicators for the application of
uranium bioremediation. The performance indicators provided as part of this document are
based on current biogeochemical understanding of uranium and will enable practitioners to
monitor the performance of their system and make a strong case to clients, regulators, and the
public that the future performance of the system can be assured and changes in performance
addressed as needed. The performance indicators established by this document and the
information gained by using these indicators do add to the cost of uranium bioremediation.
However, they are vital to the long-term success of the application of uranium bioremediation
and provide a significant assurance that regulatory goals will be met. The document also
emphasizes the need for systematic development of key information from bench scale tests and
pilot scales tests prior to full-scale implementation.
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