Transfer of long-lived radionuclides from the vadose zone into the rhizosphere and their uptake into plants under consideration of microbiological processes

The overall goal of the joint project is to transfer the results of research on the transport and transfer of radionuclides in the soil-plant system from the point of view of accumulation and re-mobilization processes at the microscale into practical application in macro-scale radio-ecological models of the biosphere. In particular, if the relevant biogeochemical processes are known, it is possible to calculate the availability of plants in the root zone, and the effects of microbial activity can also be recorded if the corresponding thermodynamic data are available. Due to the possibility of the simultaneous calculation of nuclide speciation (and thus the plant-available fraction) and partitioning, this can contribute to a better understanding of the transfer of radionuclides from the soil to the plant and therefore reduces uncertainties in these estimations. The proposed approach combining modeling and experimental work for a more detailed understanding of the soil and nuclide-specific uptake of radionuclides in plants, also considering microbial processes, thus contributes to improved predictive power of radioecological models and more reliable risk assessments for humans and the environment. Due to the complexity of the project, an interdisciplinary approach is required, which can be secured by the consortium. The project also offers the opportunity to extensively promote junior staff through training opportunities and thus make a significant contribution to progress and the maintenance of competence in the field of repository and radiation research.