Bioremediation of Contaminated Environment

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates successful experience in remediation as part of the decommissioning of different nuclear facilities. The remediation process applies to both nuclear and nonnuclear contaminants that have the potential to affect human health and the environment. Remediation encompasses inter alia site characterization, the identification of remedial action alternatives, and the implementation of a remedial action and ongoing monitoring to assure the confinement or containment of residual contamination. Decommissioning is the process by which a nuclear facility is taken out of operation after final safe shutdown and includes the administrative and technical actions toward dismantling of all systems, structures, and components as stipulated by the regulatory requirements. The use of the term “decommissioning” implies that no further use of the facility for its existing purpose is foreseen. The actions taken will need to ensure the long-term protection of the public and the environment and typically include reducing levels of residual radionuclides in all materials so that they can be safely recycled, released, and reused.