Bioactivity in deep groundwater by using hydrogen measurement

Fukunaga, Sakae*; Miyasaka, Iku*; Yoshikawa, Hideki

We developed a method to measure microbial activity by using hydrogen consumption without organic-matter addition. It was applied to shallow and deep groundwaters at Horonobe, which contained little biodegradable-organic matter, and revealed microbial adaptation to an anaerobic environment. The result would contribute to answer a question whether consideration for microbes is needed in studying groundwater at a site. The research was carried out as a part of "Project for Assessment Methodology Development of Chemical Effects on Geological Disposal System" funded by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan.