Acetate biodegradation by anaerobic microorganisms at high pH and high calcium concentration

► Acetate biodegradation at a high pH and a high calcium concentration was examined to clarify the effect of bacterial activity on the migration of organic 14C compounds in cementitious repositories. ► Nitrate-reducing bacteria can biodegrade acetate at pH ≤ 11. ► Kinetics of acetate biodegradation by anaerobic microorganisms might be lowered by a high Ca concentration.