Abstract
A cement-based geological disposal facility (GDF) is one potential option for the disposal of intermediate level radioactive wastes. The presence of both organic and metallic materials within a GDF provides the opportunity for both acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. However, for these processes to proceed, they need to adapt to the alkaline environment generated by the cementitious materials employed in backfilling and construction. Within the present study, a range of alkaline and neutral pH sediments were investigated to determine the upper pH limit and the preferred route of methane generation. In all cases, the acetoclastic route did not proceed above pH 9.0, and the hydrogenotrophic route dominated methane generation under alkaline conditions. In some alkaline sediments, acetate metabolism was coupled to hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis via syntrophic acetate oxidation, which was confirmed through inhibition studies employing fluoromethane. The absence of acetoclastic methanogenesis at alkaline pH values (>pH 9.0) is attributed to the dominance of the acetate anion over the uncharged, undissociated acid. Under these conditions, acetoclastic methanogens require an active transport system to access their substrate. The data indicate that hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is the dominant methanogenic pathway under alkaline conditions (>pH 9.0).
Original language | English |
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Article number | 614227 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Frontiers in Microbiology |
Volume | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Dec 2020 |
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Profiles
-
Paul Humphreys
- Department of Biological and Geographical Sciences - Professor and Head of Department for Biological and Geographical Sciences
- School of Applied Sciences
- Institute of Skin Integrity and Infection Prevention - Management Group
- Microbial Therapeutics and Infection Control Centre - Director
- Centre for Human and Physical Geography - Associate Member
- Technical Textiles Research Centre - Associate Member
- Centre for Engineering Materials - Associate Member
- Biorefinery Engineering and Bioprocessing Research Centre - Associate Member
Person: Academic