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Research focuses on understanding the fundamental chemical interaction of aqueous solutions with the diverse range of mineral surfaces present in the Earth’s crust. Our investigations focus on understanding the surface-charge and adsorption/desorption properties of nanoparticles, colloids, minerals, and other solids, in natural surface and sub-surface environments; the rates and mechanisms of mineral dissolution and precipitation; and metal complexation and transport, just to name a few. Our research incorporates laboratory/experimental studies, modeling, and field-work.

Research Focus
• The unique surface-charge and adsorption properties of nanoparticles
• High temperature surface properties of metal-oxides e.g. rutile (TiO2)
• Surface complexation modeling - including the Electric Double Layer
• Silica-water interactions - of quartz, amorphous silica and glass
• Metal-oxide adsorption phenomena of cations, metals and anions (inorganic and organic)
• Sulfate-mineral dissolution equilibria - solubility studies of Jarosite and Alunite
• Iron-sulfate complexation equilibria
• Metal transport and mobility in Acid Mine Drainage environments - at Superfund Sites.

Facilities
The Aqueous Geochemistry Laboratory is equipped with a range of instruments for standard aqueous chemistry, and custom designed and made equipment for solubility experiments and surface titrations of unique samples. In addition, a variety of analytical techniques are available, both in the Aqueous Geochemistry Laboratory and within the Department of Geosciences.

Acknowledgments
Our research is supported by the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy through collaboration with scientists at the National Laboratories.
Acid pond, pH < 2
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of rutile