Degradation and Bacterial Survival on Nuclear-Grade Ion Exchange Resins and Implications for Waste Management

Abstract

Ion-exchange resins are used, among others, for the purification of the moderator of CANDU reactors. The resins are potentially degraded during service due to peroxide and temperature. The resins containing radioactive impurities collected during service are eventually discarded in non-sterile holding tanks or shipping liners, awaiting permanent disposal. In this study, we have investigated the impacts of bacterial survival on resins. We developed protocols to gently degrade resins, simulating damage during service. Resins were then contacted with bacteria. We found that, even though the resins were previously damaged, the impact of bacterial growth on resins (damaged or undamaged) was minimal.