Czech scientists testing safety of radioactive waste containers

Photo: Tomáš Mařas, Czech Radio

Scientists at a university in Liberec are investigating the possible impact of microorganisms on the safety of an underground radioactive waste repository, which should be built in Czechia in several decades’ time. The main focus of their research is the impact of bacteria on radioactive waste containers.

According to a deadline set by the European Commission, nuclear powers stations in EU member states should have waste repositories in place by 2050. While Czechia is still searching for the right location for such a repository, scientists are carrying out tests in this area.

Experts at the Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations at the Technical University of Liberec are currently undertaking research focusing on microbial corrosion that could disrupt the container in which the radioactive waste is stored.

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Authors: Ruth Fraňková, Tomáš Mařas