Geochemistry

Geochemical control of Uranium Mobilization in Groundwater from Jacobsville Sandstone

Collaborators: Hari Kandel, LSSU; Ben Southwell, LSSU; Jon Doubek, LSSU

The Jacobsville Sandstone formation underlies much of the Lake Superior shoreline, and has been previously identified by researchers at MTU (H. Sherman et al.) as a potential source of significant quantities of Uranium to groundwater which may pose a hazard in drinking water wells. We are currently investigating Uranium geochemistry in wells from Sugar Island MI, with preliminary results suggesting ~1/3 of wells contain Uranium in excess of the EPA MCL of 0.03 mg/l (30 ppb).

Geochemistry of Metal Enriched Soils

Collaborators: Mark Zierden, LSSU; Ben Southwell, LSSU

Metal enriched soils can pose a threat to ecosystem integrity and human health, particularly if they are utilized for agricultural purposes. Investigations of soil minerology and composition can provide insight as to the speciation, partitioning, and mobility of potentially toxic metals. In particular, our phytoremediation work requires a detailed understanding of these factors, so that we can elucidate the mechanisms controlling uptake and translocation. We are currently investigating several sites using ICP-MS and SEM-EDS in both the eastern and western Upper Peninsula that are promising for metal accumulation studies or phytoremediation experiments.

Mineral Identification & Phase Mapping by Laser Direct Infrared Spectroscopy

Collaborators: Paul Kelso, LSSU; Hari Kandel, LSSU

Mineral phase mapping is conventionally performed by electron beam instruments (SEM-EDS, EPMA), and occasionally by x-ray microanalysis or IR/Raman Microspectroscopy. LDIR imaging using a quantum cascade laser offers a promising alternative due to its high speed and ability to provide direct mineral phase information unlike e-beam techniques which require the analyst to infer minerology from elemental composition. We are currently working to develop this method using the Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System.

Felsic Granulite with Corona Texture – Kapuskasing Ontario, Canada (Thin Section) Likely metamorphosed at ~20km depth