Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

The release of metals at mine sites, mineral processing facilities, and mine waste disposal areas can result in contamination of groundwater resources. Dissolved metals such as Cu, Ni, and Zn can migrate along the groundwater flow path, and may be attenuated by reactions with the aquifer minerals and through microbially-mediated biogeochemical reactions. Enhancing these attenuation reactions forms the basis for many in situ groundwater remediation systems. This research project will use measurements of stable isotope ratios of Cu, Ni, and Zn to determine reaction mechanisms controlling the concentrations of dissolved metals in groundwater. The research will encompass mine wastes and in situ groundwater treatment systems. The research project includes the development and implementation of emerging analytical procedures to measure the stable isotope ratios of dissolved metals, assessment of the extent of isotope fractionation in abiotic and microbially-mediated reaction systems, measurement of isotope ratios in field and laboratory systems and the development and application of numerical modelling tools to assist in the interpretation of the laboratory and field observations. The information gained from the proposed study can be used to 1) assist in the development and assessment of improved designs for waste management and site rehabilitation, and 2) inform the development of effective environmental policie. Optimization of remediation systems will lead to cost savings for companies operating in Canada and Canadian companies operating in other parts of the world. The development of more effective and efficient methods to rehabilitate metal contaminated sites potentially will allow a larger number of sites to undergo remediation, leading to an overall decrease in pollutant levels entering the environment. These improvements in the environment will benefit Canadians living near contaminated sites and ecosystems as a whole. The project will train a significant number of Canadian undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, prpearing them for significant roles in the sustainable and economic development of resources in Canada.