Re: Bacteria in Nuclear Reactors

["Michael C. Baker" <mcbaker@lanl.gov>]

A couple of additional comments: It is not the radiation level of the 
coolant that would really matter in a nuclear reactor, but the fact 
that the coolant passes through the core.  The core is the dominant 
source of radiation by several orders of magnitude.

Second, in my experience bacteria is not chaecked for in primary
coolant for several reasons, including the harsh environment, the 
purity of water used as primary coolant and the careful monitoring
of the chemistry of that coolant.  The only water were bacteria was
a concern at the plants I have worked at was the coolant that cycles
from the main condensers to the cooling towers and back.  We added 
sulphuric acid to maintain the pH of this coolant and limit the 
growth of bacteria.

Mike Baker ... mcbaker@lanl.gov


At 02:14 PM 5/11/98 -0500, you wrote:
>     Ron,
>     
>     From the exact quote you gave, it seems to me that they are saying 
>     that bacteria COULD survive the radiation given off BY THE WATER, and 
>     not the reactor. From my power plant days, I doubt that bacteria could 
>     survive in reactor coolant due mainly to high temperature and 
>     pressure, not due to radiation. The radiation level from the coolant 
>     itself is pretty low, and is certainly survivable by most bacteria.