InCoManD webinars on microbial activity | Predicting and Managing Microbial Activity in Deep Geological Repositories

Deep geological repositories (DGRs) evolve through coupled thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, chemical, and biological processes. Within this multi-barrier system, microorganisms naturally present in host rocks — as well as those introduced during construction and operation — may induce corrosion, gas production, and mineral transformations, all of which are relevant for predicting the long-term performance and stability of a repository.

This session provides a structured introduction to microbiology in the DGR environment, focusing on safety-relevant processes and their implications for engineered barrier systems. Selected experimental case studies from EPFL will illustrate how microbial activity is investigated under repository-relevant conditions, with reference to the Swiss repository concept proposed by Nagra. Particular focus will be given to microbial activity during the transient phase, including decreasing oxygen concentrations and spatial constraints caused by bentonite buffer swelling.

The session concludes with a brief overview of how experimental microbiological data can inform and constrain modelling approaches, and how modelling can, in turn, support hypothesis testing and improve understanding of long-term microbial behaviour in DGR systems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:

Knowledge

• Describe the origin and potential activity of microorganisms in repository-relevant environments
• Explain key safety-relevant microbial processes, including corrosion, gas generation, and mineral alteration

Skills

• Relate experimental observations of microbial activity to repository safety functions
• Identify critical parameters that control microbial activity in engineered barrier systems

Practical information

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