Gadolinium as an Emerging Contaminant in Natural Waters
Funding: NSF
Collaborators: Gayan Rubasinghege (NMT Chemistry), Bonnie Frey (NMBGMR)
Student: Ahmad Ezz Al Dine
This project investigates how gadolinium from wastewater moves throughout the environment. We are developing protocols for measurement of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) in natural waters, examining GBCA behavior in the human digestion system, and assessing anthropogenic gadolinium contamination in New Mexico waters.
Health Impacts of Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents
Collaborators: Rich Miller (University of Rochester), Brent Wagner (UNM Health Sciences Center and VA Albuquerque)
I am collaborating with medical scientists on several projects investigating the health implications of gadolinium-based contrast agents and how gadolinium behaves in the human body.
Noble Gas Tracers of Methane Hydrate Dynamics in the Gulf of Mexico
Funding: DOE
Collaborators: Ann Cook (Ohio State University), Diana Thatcher (Iowa State University)
Massive volumes of gas are sequestered within gas hydrate in subsurface marine sediments in the Gulf of Mexico. Methane associated with gas hydrate is a potentially important economic resource and a significant reservoir of carbon within the global carbon cycle. This project uses noble gases to understand methane hydrate residence time and investigate gas migration history.
Water Quality at Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge
Funding: NM Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI)
Student: Antonio Chavez
The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico confronts water scarcity and unpredictable water quality, impacting wildlife and supplemental grain farming. This project contributes to the long-term health and resilience of the refuge by addressing critical knowledge gaps related to water quality. The research focuses on major and trace element concentrations and nutrient levels in both surface and groundwater, and relating those to agricultural and wildlife needs. Laboratory analyses, conducted at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, include alkalinity, major anions and cations, and trace elements. Temporal monitoring, including the installation of conductivity data loggers, provides insights into seasonal fluctuations crucial for proactive management strategies.
Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions in the Middle Rio Grande
Funding: Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Grant
Lead PI: Alex Rinehart (NMT)
Co-PIs: Dan Cadol (NMT)
Partners: New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, Middle Rio Grande Conservation District
Student: Racha Berjaoui
This collaborative project collects groundwater flux and geophysical data to improve operational integrated modeling in the Socorro reach of the Middle Rio Grande. The project includes drainage surveys to measure groundwater flux entering the surface water system, environmental tracer sampling to partition groundwater discharge into different sources (irrigation return flows, regional groundwater flow, and deep axial flows), and regional gravity surveys with geophysical inversions. Our lab leads the geochemistry component, using chemical tracers to characterize inflows and developing mixing models with Bayesian methods. This work provides critical aquifer flux boundary conditions and geometry constraints for water management models, particularly important for meeting Rio Grande Compact delivery requirements to Texas.
Trace Element Geochemistry in Bosque Shallow Groundwater
Funding: NM Technology Enhancement Fund (TEF)
Student: Xander Forsyth
This project investigates the geochemistry of groundwater in the Bosque, specifically examining trace elements and stable isotopes to characterize drivers of trace element mobilization in shallow groundwater. The research focuses on elements such as chromium and uranium, extending previous work on biogeochemical processes by examining trace element mobility. Understanding trace element dynamics in shallow groundwater systems is important for characterizing natural hydrogeochemical processes and assessing water quality in settings where shallow alluvial aquifers serve as drinking water sources and support riparian ecosystems.
Hydrology in Carlsbad
Funding: National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI)
Student: Leslie Kirkes
Description coming soon.
