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Application of Synchrotron Techniques in Environmental Science
Citation:
SCHECKEL, K. G. Application of Synchrotron Techniques in Environmental Science. Presented at Kansas State Graduate Student Enrichment Seminar, Manhattan, KS, February 20 - 21, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
Presentation
Description:
The complexity of metal contaminated sites has and continues to be simplified to a measure of the total metal content. While total metal content is a critical measure in assessing risk of a contaminated site, total metal content alone does not provide predictive insights on the bioavailability, mobility, and fate of the metal contaminants. The speciation, or chemical form, of metals governs their fate, toxicity, mobility, and bioavailability in contaminated soils, sediments and water. To assess these chemical properties and to accurately gauge their impact on human health and the environment we need to characterize metals at the atomic level. NRMRL researchers use state-of-the-art advanced synchrotron radiation methods to elucidate metal speciation. The goal of this research is to utilize metal speciation results to engineer effective and economic remediation strategies and to understand bioavailability with means to alter the system to be safer.