Heavy metal contamination in the tri-state district
Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Major
Geological Engineering
Research Advisor
Grote, Katherine R.
Advisor's Department
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Funding Source
GGPE Department, Geological Society of America
Abstract
Heavy metal release from historic mines and abandoned mine waste has caused major water quality issues in Missouri. However, these contaminants can also occur naturally in bedrock layers, and it is not always clear whether high levels of these contaminants in the groundwater are the result of historic mining or dissolution through undisturbed strata. This project will investigate whether heavy metal contamination observed in the historic tri-state mining district is derived primarily from anthropogenic or geogenic causes. To determine this, groundwater monitoring wells will be installed near streams that are impaired by heavy metals. Some wells will be placed down-gradient of historic mining areas, while others will be placed in unmined areas. Water samples will be collected from all wells, and elemental concentrations and ratios will be determined using an ICP-MS. The water quality data will be analyzed using groundwater mixing models and other statistical techniques to determine the source of the contaminant. This project is expected to advance the use of elemental isotopes to determine contaminant sources and aid in groundwater remediation efforts.
Biography
Brian is a senior in geological engineering and has actively pursued research opportunities throughout his undergraduate career. He has research experience at Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania, Argonne National Laboratory, and Missouri S&T. He plans to attend graduate school to pursue a PhD in environmental engineering. Brian hopes to create an established career in research, investigating demanding environmental issues.
Presentation Type
OURE Fellows Proposal Oral Applicant
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Missouri Room
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2019, 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Heavy metal contamination in the tri-state district
Missouri Room
Heavy metal release from historic mines and abandoned mine waste has caused major water quality issues in Missouri. However, these contaminants can also occur naturally in bedrock layers, and it is not always clear whether high levels of these contaminants in the groundwater are the result of historic mining or dissolution through undisturbed strata. This project will investigate whether heavy metal contamination observed in the historic tri-state mining district is derived primarily from anthropogenic or geogenic causes. To determine this, groundwater monitoring wells will be installed near streams that are impaired by heavy metals. Some wells will be placed down-gradient of historic mining areas, while others will be placed in unmined areas. Water samples will be collected from all wells, and elemental concentrations and ratios will be determined using an ICP-MS. The water quality data will be analyzed using groundwater mixing models and other statistical techniques to determine the source of the contaminant. This project is expected to advance the use of elemental isotopes to determine contaminant sources and aid in groundwater remediation efforts.
