Decades-Long Study Reveals Glass Corrosion Secrets: Implications for Nuclear Waste Storage

A 52-year experiment in Ballidon, UK, has yielded crucial insights into the long-term corrosion of various glass types. Researchers analyzed nine glass compositions buried in 1970, including models of medieval and Roman glass, alongside nuclear waste glass. The study monitored rainfall, temperature, and soil saturation, revealing that the earthwork environment was unsaturated, with alternating wet and dry periods. Soil pH was mildly alkaline (7.8-8.2). Microbial communities on the glass surfaces were diverse, dominated by bacteria typical of terrestrial soils. Alteration layers were observed on several glass types, with the Hangleton linen smoother exhibiting the most significant corrosion. These layers displayed distinct banding patterns, indicating changes in chemistry over time. Analysis revealed the presence of elements like silicon, iron, phosphorus, and calcium in these bands. Stirred Reactor Coupon Analysis (SRCA) tests were conducted to compare the dissolution rates of the glasses, confirming the relative durability observed in the field. The findings have significant implications for the storage of nuclear waste, as they provide valuable data on the long-term behavior of glass materials in natural environments. The study highlights the importance of considering factors such as soil moisture, temperature, and microbial activity when assessing the durability of materials used in waste containment.