U.S.-France Cooperative Research: XAFS Spectroscopic Study of the Chemical Speciation of Lead, Arsenic, and Zinc in Contaminated Soils and Mine Tailings

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This three-year award provides support for US-France cooperative research on the speciation of lead, arsenic and zinc in smelter-impacted soils and mining wastes collected from locations in France (Ardeche and Allier) and locations in the United States (Leadville, Colorado and the Mother Lode Country of California). The collaboration involves researchers Gordon E. Brown at Stanford University and George Calas at the University of Paris VI and VII). Speciation of contaminant elements is a major determinant of their mobility, toxicity, bioavailability and fate in the environment. In order to determine factors affecting speciation and transformation of species, the investigators will perform parallel studies of chemical processes affecting these contaminant elements. Synchrotron facilities at Stanford and University of Paris will be used in these studies. The US investigator brings to this collaboration expertise in environmental geochemistry and x-ray absorption spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This is complemented by French technical expertise in synchrotron x-ray fluorescence mapping and diffraction analysis. The project will improve the scientific basis for risk assessment and remediation design for these toxic heavy elements.