One such product linked to these activities,
isosaccharinic acid (ISA), causes much concern as
it can react with a wide range of radionuclides -
unstable and toxic elements that are formed during
the production of nuclear power and make up the
radioactive component of nuclear waste. If the ISA
binds to radionuclides, such as uranium, then the
radionuclides will become far more soluble and
more likely to flow out of the underground vaults to
surface environments, where they could enter
drinking water or the food chain. However, the
researchers' new findings indicate that
microorganisms may prevent this becoming a
problem.