Re: Bacteria in Nuclear Reactors

[Bob Hite <BobHite@ies.iec-energy.com>]

I would surmise the statement refers to service water systems, which do
communicate via heat exchangers with contaminated systems.  In BWRs, the
general service waster system supplies cooling water to the condenser which
does see elevated exposure rates, and bacteria are able to survive in this
environment.  The cooling water is typically in the range of 100-110
degrees F on exit from the main condenser which is well within the
capabilities of many bacteria.  Chlorination systems are routinely added to
service water systems to kill bacteria which can foul heat exchangers and
reduce plant efficiency.

I have not heard of bacteria able to withstand the environmental rigors of
primary coolant (BWR or PWR), and given the tight controls over reactor
water chemistry, there isn't much for them to eat.   My bet is that the
article refers to the service water side of the cooling systems, not the
primary coolant (PWR/BWR) or secondary coolant (PWR).

>>> Ronald Morgan <rgmorgan@lanl.gov> 05/11 1:58 PM >>>
Hi folks,
In the May/June issue of The Planetary Report (a publication for the
members of the Planetary Society, a space-exploration advocacy group which
is not noticeably [so far] an anti-nuc group.  See their web site at
http://www.planetary.org), Christopher Chyba said (in part) "bacteria have
adapted to survive the levels of radiation common in the cooling water of
nuclear reactors."

I'd be a bit surprised to learn that bacteria could survive in the primary
or secondary loops of a power reactor...but there's a bunch of other
possibilities.  Does anyone know anything about bacteria in reactor cooling
water?
Thanx, ron