Biodecontamination: cost-benefit analysis of a novel approach for decontamination of massive concrete structures

A major liability facing the owners and operators of nuclear facilities worldwide is the decontamination and decommissioning (D and D) of contaminated massive concrete structures. A biodecontamination technology which harnesses the action of naturally occurring bacteria is currently under joint development by BNFL and the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. This emerging technology was judged to exhibit advantages in cost, worker health and safety risk reduction, and programmatic effectiveness. The process takes approximately six months to one year to remove the contaminated surface and can advantageously be applied during the care and maintenance phase of a D and D programme. A detailed assessment of the biodecontamination process in relation to the next best and base technologies was performed. The findings of this study, which recommended a large-scale technology demonstration, will be presented. (author)