Impact of iron-reducing bacteria on the properties of argillites in the context of radioactive waste geological disposal

摘要: Abstract The presence of indigenous microorganisms in deep clayey geological formations raises the issue, regarding radioactive waste disposal, influence bacterial activity on confinement properties materials, including host rock. Iron-reducing bacteria (IRB) is assessed batch experiments argillite samples from an situ experimental laboratory at Tournemire (Aveyron, France). results show availability structural Fe(III) clay minerals for biochemical reactions (bioreduction). In conditions, a significant impact IRB alteration minerals, mainly illite–smectite mixed layer (I–Sm), indeed observed. Such may locally modify physicochemical conditions and stability (essentially smectites) prevailing such facilities. More generally, could play important role mineral need to be performed order quantify reaction rates representative these phenomena framework safety assessment disposal.