biostudies-literatureRout SPEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council4455https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5849744biostudies-literatureUnknown8(1)¹⁴C is an important consideration within safety assessments for proposed geological disposal facilities for radioactive wastes, since it is capable of re-entering the biosphere through the generation of ¹⁴C bearing gases. The irradiation of graphite moderators in the UK gas-cooled nuclear power stations has led to the generation of a significant volume of ¹⁴C-containing intermediate level wastes. Some of this ¹⁴C is present as a carbonaceous deposit on channel wall surfaces. Within this study, the potential of biofilm growth upon irradiated and ¹³C doped graphite at alkaline pH was investigated. Complex biofilms were established on both active and simulant samples. High throughput sequencing showed the biofilms to be dominated by AlcalScientific reportsThe Impact of Alkaliphilic Biofilm Formation on the Release and Retention of Carbon Isotopes from Nuclear Reactor Graphite.PMC5849744EP/P006930/1EP/I036354/1Heard PBoxall SABond GShah PWalker SCharles CRout SPBills PHumphreys PNScott TEccles HWilliams SJPayne LJackson BRLaws APfalseThe Impact of Alkaliphilic Biofilm Formation on the Release and Retention of Carbon Isotopes from Nuclear Reactor Graphite.¹⁴C is an important consideration within safety assessments for proposed geological disposal facilities for radioactive wastes, since it is capable of re-entering the biosphere through the generation of ¹⁴C bearing gases. The irradiation of graphite moderators in the UK gas-cooled nuclear power stations has led to the generation of a significant volume of ¹⁴C-containing intermediate level wastes. Some of this ¹⁴C is present as a carbonaceous deposit on channel wall surfaces. Within this study, the potential of biofilm growth upon irradiated and ¹³C doped graphite at alkaline pH was investigated. Complex biofilms were established on both active and simulant samples. High throughput sequencing showed the biofilms to be dominated by Alcal2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Mar2026-05-02T06:47:39.224Z2019-03-26T23:22:55ZS-EPMC58497442953541210.1038/s41598-018-22833-5