Microbial Induced Corrosion and Spent Nuclear Fuel: Mechanisms and Mitigations

Microbial induced corrosion (MIC) is a significant concern to many industries, including in the nuclear sector, where biodegradation of plant infrastructure can lead to challenges in the safe management of spent nuclear fuel (SNF).

Of particular concern is the potential impact of MIC in SNF storage ponds, where microbial metabolism could degrade the integrity of the stainless-steel-clad fuel pins, the structural materials containing these fuels , and more widely impact on the integrity of the pond environment.

Recent work between the University of Manchester, Sellafield Limited and the National Nuclear Laboratory has shown that SNF ponds are able to support a wide variety of microorganisms, and these can cause algal blooms if their proliferation is not controlled.

This project aims to build on this work, by assessing whether microbial metabolism can extend from the planktonic free-living communities characterised to date to biofilms growing on surfaces within the ponds.

A key focus will be understanding the potential for biofilms to cause MIC of the stainless-steel fuel cladding in Sellafield SNF pond environs, including identifying any causative organisms and exploring methodologies that could be used to prevent their proliferation and associated biocorrosion.

To facilitate this work, authentic samples will be collected from SNF pond facilities at Sellafield, and any associated biofilms will be characterised using state of the art culturing and DNA sequencing techniques.

These will inform laboratory studies that will quantify the impact of MIC on steel surfaces under pond-relevant conditions and inform mitigation approaches if required.