Possible solution to Nuclear Waste

[Nanfeishen]

MU researcher uses bacteria to make radioactive metals inert

A Scientist is studying bacteria that could clean contaminated water bodies across the US

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Lost Orphan Mine below the Grand Canyon hasn't produced uranium since the 1960s, but radioactive residue still contaminates the area. Cleaning the region takes an expensive process that is only done in extreme cases, but Judy Wall, a biochemistry professor at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, is researching the use of sulfate-reducing bacteria to convert toxic radioactive metal to inert substances, a much more economical solution.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-09/uom-mru090809.php

Using bacteria and inositol phosphate, a chemical analogue of a cheap waste material from plants, researchers at Birmingham University have recovered uranium from the polluted waters from uranium mines. The same technology can also be used to clean up nuclear waste. Professor Lynne Macaskie, this week (7-10 September), presented the group's work to the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-09/sfgm-uwt090209.php

IMHO If this could be made commercially viable, it would really go a long way towards solving one of our biggest environmental issues.
Is it possible though?

 

[hyperian]

I'm not sure - it sounds promising though. Not only would we be able to clean up irradiated areas and nuclear waste, but it might also give nuclear energy a new burst of life.