Bentonite – a natural source for sulfate-reducing bacteria


Bentonite – a natural source for sulfate-reducing bacteria

Matschiavelli, N.; Kluge, S.; Cherkouk, A.

In order to analyze the potential influence of natural occuring microorganisms within the bentonite on the properties of the bentonite barrier, we set up microcosm-experiments. Two different Bavarian bentonites (a natural and an industrial one) were supplied with an anaerobic, synthetic Opalinus-clay pore water solution under an N2/CO2-atmosphere and were incubated for one year at 30 °C and 60 °C. To some set ups organics (acetate or lactate) or H2 were supplemented. During the incubation time samples were analyzed for several biogeochemical parameters and the evolution of microbial community.
Our results clearly demonstrate, that natural occuring microbes affect geochemical parameters. Set ups containing the industrial bentonite supplemented with lactate or H2 show the most striking effects. The respective batches were dominated (up to 81 %) by Desulfosporosinus spp. after 6 months – spore-forming, strictly anaerobic, sulfate-reducing organisms, able to survive under very harsh conditions. Concomitantly, an increase of ferrous iron and a simoultaneous decrease of ferric iron was observed as well as a decrease in sulfate – alterations that could effect different properties of and reactions within the barrier system of an HLW.

Keywords: Bentonite; sulfate-reduction; Desulfosporosinus spp

  • Lecture (Conference)
    MIND-Project Annual Meeting 2018, 07.-09.05.2018, Lausanne, Switzerland

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Publ.-Id: 27362