Geochemistry/Biogeochemistry and Subsurface Science
One of the most challenging and pressing issues confronting DOE and the nation is the safe and cost-effective management of environmental pollutants and the remediation of hazardous waste sites. DOE is responsible for managing some 40 million cubic meters of contaminated soils and 1.7 trillion gallons of contaminated groundwater. Across the United States, thousands of Superfund sites exist with various levels and types of contamination (e.g., organic materials, heavy metals, inorganic materials, radionuclides).
Molecular level processes, such as aqueous complexation, adsorption to different mineral phases, or microbial reduction of redox active metals, often control the transport and fate of contaminants in the environment. These processes occur in complicated subsurface environments that are chemically and physically heterogeneous. Understanding the structure, chemistry, and nano-scale geometric properties of the mineral/water and microbe/mineral interfaces are therefore key aspects of developing a mechanistic understanding of contaminant transport. As a result molecular level studies of interfacial geochemistry and biogeochemical reactions have been an active area of research for more than a decade. Unraveling these phenomena at the molecular level and determining their impact on contaminant migration and transformation in the environment is a key objective of this science theme area.
Additional Information
This science theme will focus EMSL's scientific resources on the following key topical areas:
- Interfacial molecular geochemistry and biogeochemistry
- Understanding the chemistry of radionuclides in the subsurface
- Understanding the fact and transport of chemical and microbial species in the subsurface.
Research in the area of biogeochemistry and subsurface science is well established in EMSL. We propose to build on our strength in that area by focusing on key scientific questions/challenges in the area of molecular geochemistry and biogeochemistry, linking Subsurface Flow and Transport Experimental Laboratory capabilities to molecular-science capabilities, and gaining better access to use of radioactive materials.
All Related Publications Related Publications
- Bioreduction of hematite nanoparticles by the dissimilatory iron reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.
- Biomineralization Associated with Microbial Reduction of Fe3+ and Oxidation of Fe2+ in Solid Minerals .
- Long-Range Electron Transfer Across Cytochrome-Hematite (a-Fe2O3) Interfaces.
- Antibody recognition force microscopy shows that outer membrane cytochromes OmcA and MtrC are expressed on the exterior surface of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1.
- Bond-Valence Constraints on Liquid Water Structure.
Geochemistry/Biogeochemistry and Subsurface Science Capabilities Available at EMSL
To help with proposal planning, icons in the table below indicate instrument availability:
- 10 hours a day, 5 days a week
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
