Geochemical Analysis of Colloidal Particles During Flood Stages in the Maramec Spring System
Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Major
Geology and Geophysics
Research Advisor
Wronkiewicz, David J.
Advisor's Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Funding Source
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE)
Abstract
The Maramec Spring system has a milky blue-white color due to colloidal matter in the system. Previous researchers have determined mechanisms for mineral formation and occurrence in the system, also identifying the mineral constituents of its colloidal matter. These minerals include low-Mg calcite (CaCO3) and anglesite (PbSO4). Previous studies focused on the system during low-flow, ignoring the system during flood stages. This project aims to understand how turbulent flow affects the mineralogy and the regional distribution of lead phases of the system. Water samples were collected at several sites along the system and centriguged. Particle morphology and elemental composition will be analyzed using optical light microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. Preliminary results obtained from SEM-EDS of particles indicate that the composition of this colloidal matter is mainly kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4). High density phases include barite (BaSO4), apatite (Ca10 (PO4)6(OH,F,Cl)2), and iron-bearing constituents. No lead phases were found.
Biography
Heather Pribil is a junior in Geology & Geophysics at Missouri University of Science and Technology, and a writer and assistant news editor for the Missouri Miner. The round rocks around her hometown of Weaubleau, Missouri served as her introduction to geology, inspiring countless trips to nearby creeks and springs in pursuit of these so called “Weaubleau eggs.”
Research Category
Research Proposals
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Geochemical Analysis of Colloidal Particles During Flood Stages in the Maramec Spring System
Upper Atrium/Hallway
The Maramec Spring system has a milky blue-white color due to colloidal matter in the system. Previous researchers have determined mechanisms for mineral formation and occurrence in the system, also identifying the mineral constituents of its colloidal matter. These minerals include low-Mg calcite (CaCO3) and anglesite (PbSO4). Previous studies focused on the system during low-flow, ignoring the system during flood stages. This project aims to understand how turbulent flow affects the mineralogy and the regional distribution of lead phases of the system. Water samples were collected at several sites along the system and centriguged. Particle morphology and elemental composition will be analyzed using optical light microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. Preliminary results obtained from SEM-EDS of particles indicate that the composition of this colloidal matter is mainly kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4). High density phases include barite (BaSO4), apatite (Ca10 (PO4)6(OH,F,Cl)2), and iron-bearing constituents. No lead phases were found.
Comments
Joint Project with Jia Sun