Biodegradation of bitumen used for nuclear waste disposal

Summary Studies have been carried out to test microbial degradation of bitumen used for encapsulating radioactive waste in Sweden. Microorganisms have been isolated that degrade bitumen. In ong-term tests under conditions simulating those in the silo part of the final repository for low-and intermediate-level radioactive waste, both aerobic and anaerobic degradation of bitumen has been found, equivalent to 0.6–1.5 moles CO₂/month·mg bitumen and 1.1–1.5 moles CO₂/month·mg bitumen, respectively.