Cleaning Uranium Waste with Bacteria

Roland Piquepaille writes "Nuclear bombs can kill people even if they're not used. In the U.S. alone, the Department of Energy estimates that more than 2,500 billion liters of groundwater are contaminated with uranium as a consequence of nuclear weapons production. In "Uranium 'pearls' before slime," scientists from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) say they discovered that some common bacteria could "convert deadly heavy metal into less threatening nano-spheres." In fact, these bacteria can convert soluble radioactive uranium into a non-toxic solid form called uraninite. Still, more research needs to be done before using these bacteria on a large scale, but it's a step in the good direction. Read more for additional references and photos showing how Shewanella oneidensis can help us to decontaminate groundwater at nuclear waste sites."

Comments

For the love of Christ people!

[tokenhillbilly]

Didn't anybody ever watch TROMA's "The Toxic Advenger". What's going to happen to these bugs after they've eaten all the plutonium and come after the people? Oh, the humanity!

Recycling

[Anonymous Coward]

Yes, but is there any bacteria that can take care of Roland Piquepaille?

Re:Recycling

[Anonymous Coward]

I thought he was the bacteria?

This is a horrible idea

[EmagGeek]

We cannot simply exploit these living animals for our own selfish needs. These bacteria need to be allowed free range so they can live healthy, happy, natural lives without human oppression. We have a consistent track record of exploiting animals for our own use - even torturing them for our own entertainment. These bacteria need to be protected immediately! Oh won't someone please think of the bacteria!

This is why I love slashdot

[JeanBaptiste]

All these awesome science stories, cutting edge stuff that not even digg or fark dares to post.

(looks closer) Oh. Its a roland piquapallawhatever submitted story.

(is eaten by a grue)

don't worry about those 'nano' particles either

[machine of god]

Don't worry about it, it's all planned out. The gorillas will all freeze to death when winter comes around.

What do you say to people that call you a Ninite?

[CrazyJim1]

No uraninite.

Re:2500 billion?

[nolife]

I would have used 5.07210338 × 10^14 US teaspoons

I've had it with these bacteria!

[ChilyWily]

I want these motherfucking bacteria off this motherfucking uranium.