• Environmental mineralogy pertaining to actinide transport: The mineralogy and crystal chemistry of uranium is understood reasonably well, whereas that of neptunium is almost completely unknown. The projects will focus on exploring the crystal chemistry of neptunium, and its relationships with uranium. Applications of the research will be a better understanding of the impact on actinide transport of co-precipitation of neptunium in uranium phases. This research will also be a foundation for development of an understanding of the solution chemistry of neptunium under environmental conditions.
  Dr. Peter C. Burns

• Geomicrobiology: A range of projects in which students investigate the effects of bacteria on contaminant transport in groundwater systems. Bacteria are present in virtually all near-surface geological systems, yet their effects on geochemical processes are unknown in most cases. Experiments will be conducted to determine the nature and extent of adsorption of heavy metals and radionuclides onto bacterial surfaces, and to determine the effect of such adsorption on transport of the contaminants through porous media columns. Students will be introduced to all geochemical and microbiological experimental techniques, and will be trained on a range of instruments for chemical analyses. The information learned from these experiments will not only help to guide remediation for already-contaminated aquifers, but will also be useful for designing effective and safe geologic repositories for hazardous industrial and nuclear waste.
  Dr. Jeremy B. Fein

• Biotoxicity to bacteria of adsorbed metal ions: Many metals such as Zn, Cu, and Pb are known to be toxic to bacteria. If these metals adsorb to mineral surfaces or form nano-particles, then are they still bioavailable and toxic?
  Dr. Patricia A. Maurice

• Metal interactions with natural organic matter and mineral surfaces: Natural organic matter forms from decay of plant debris in oils and wetlands and it binds metals, thus having a profound impact on metal mobility. This project would involve lab work, and potentially some field research to collect different types of natural organic matter.
  Dr. Patricia A. Maurice

• Effects of natural organic matter and bacteria on formation of mineral nano-particles: Initial formation of minerals often involves creation of very small nano-particles. Research will include finding out how natural organic matter and bacterial surfaces affect the formation and ultimate growth of these nano-particles.
  Dr. Patricia A. Maurice

• PGE in Road Dirt project: Platinum is constantly being dispersed into the environment through attrition of automobile catalytic converters. While catalytic converters perform a useful task of reducing smog, the fate of platinum in the environment is unknown. If it oxidizes and complexes with organics (i.e., gets into the food chain) it is a known carcinogen. Conversely, if it accumulates along roadsides, it is a potential economic resource, especially with the current market price of ~$840 per ounce. Students will be involved in preparing and characterizing road dirt samples for trace elements.
  Dr. Clive R. Neal

• Environmental Biotechnology: Bromate (BrO₃-) is a drinking-water contaminant produced during treatment with ozone.  Bromate is stable and difficult to remove from solution, but some bacteria can transform it to innocuous bromide (Br-). Preliminary tests show that a novel, hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) can carry out bromate reduction.  The goals of this study are to investigate bromate reduction in the MBfR and learn more about the bacteria responsible for this transformation.
  Dr. Robert Nerenberg

• Microbial diversity: Microbial diversity in groundwater systems is an increasingly important issue in groundwater remediation efforts. Diversity is also important from the standpoint of natural processes in the subsurface environment. This project is focused on characterizing and understanding spatial and temporal variation in biological diversity in a shallow groundwater system located near the University of Notre Dame. Efforts required of the REU participant include collection of field samples, contributing to the analysis and characterization of these samples, and interpretation of the spatial and temporal variation in the results of the analysis. Interest in environmental engineering, groundwater systems, and microbial ecology is encouraged.
  Dr. Stephen E. Silliman

• Benin water study: In ongoing studies of groundwater in Benin, West Africa, elevated concentration of uranium has been observed in the eastern portion of the country, in addition to elevated concentration of heavy metals in the areas dedicated to growing cotton. The causes of both of these observations remains uncertain and the focus of continuing study. Work here will involve continued analysis of the water samples already collected, statistical and geochemical analysis of the analytical results, communication (but not travel) with colleagues in Benin, and design of the next stages of an ongoing field project in Benin. Success in this project may lead to future collaboration and travel associated with the Benin project.
  Dr. Stephen E. Silliman

• Potential interferences of NOM: Examining the interference of UV254 for measurement of NOM caused by the presence of heavy metals. Students will investigate the interference caused by CuC1₂, CuSO₄, and Cu(Cl0₄)₂. They will also explore the inference of heavy metals such as Pb and Cd.
  Dr. Jeffrey W. Talley