Research

I am a geomicrobiologist with a keen interest in microbially-driven redox changes of minerals and microbial survival strategies in the deep subsurface. My PhD work focused on groundwater microbial communities capable of removal of an agro-pollutant (nitrate) and oxidation of iron phases under anoxic conditions. Currently, I am applying my knowledge to predict the extent of microbial activity in future geological nuclear waste repositories (DGRs) to ensure the long-term stability of their safety functions.

Projects

I am involved in the following international collaborations, experiments and research projects:

• The Kiruna Natural Analogue (KiNa) - Natural analogue study in Kiruna mine in Sweden. Investigates the formations of smectite-rich clay occurring adjacent to magnetite deposits to explore the long-term evolution of bentonite components of a geological disposal system for radioactive waste.
• High Temperature Effects on Bentonite Buffers (HotBENT) - Generic-DGR-full scale long-term experiment based in Grimsel Test Site. Aims to evaluate current accepted safety functions by investigating the effects of high temperatures on bentonite-based barriers and their safety functions. 
• IC-A: Iron Corrosion - In-situ field study based in Mont Terri Rock Lab. Aims to investigate corrosion of waste canisters in bentonite buffers. 
• CONtainer CORrosion under Disposal conditions (CONCORD) - Lab-based experiments run within EURAD initiative. Their goal is to optimise and evaluate the behaviour of materials for disposal containers in view of their long-term barrier performance.