Aqueous Crystal Growth and Dissolution Kinetics of Calcium Carbonate Minerals

Our project uses techniques of low-temperature geochemistry to interpret and characterize chemical processes occurring in surface water and ground water. We study metal binding by dissolved organic matter and crystal growth and dissoluton reaction rate mediation by dissolved constituents because metal ion speciation and mineral formation rates influence water quality and carbon storage. Metal ion complexation with organic matter mediates metal ion reactivity in surface water and ground water -- metal ion speciation controls metal ion chemical and biogeochemical reactivity and bioavailability.

We determine equilibrium metal species distributions in surface and ground water containing organic matter, and characterize crystal growth and dissoluton rates in surface and ground water containing organic material.

Recent News Project interests: Calcium carbonate nucleation and growth in surface and groundwater Calcium carbonate formation and dissolution in arid soils at the Amargosa Desert Research Site located near Beatty, Nevada. Recent Publications Annals of Environmental Science - - Calcite growth-rate inhibition by fulvic acids isolated from Big Soda lake, Nevada, USA, the Suwannee River, Georgia, USA and by polycarboxylic acids - (on-line journal article) Aquatic Geochemistry, In Press - Calcium carbonate nucleation in an alkaline lake surface water, Pyramid Lake, Nevada, USA - available on-line Journal of Crystal Growth, In Press - Calcite growth-rate inhibition by fulvic acid and magnesium ion --possible influence on biogenic calcite formation - available on-line