Biogeochemical controls on contaminant and carbon dynamics in natural and engineered systems

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The preservation of freshwater resources and the release of greenhouse gases represent critical environmental issues in Canada and worldwide. Soils play a central role in these challenges. The goal of this CRC in redox biogeochemistry is to generate mechanistic understanding of mineral control on carbon sequestration in soils (the largest dynamic carbon reservoir in the biosphere) and understand groundwater contamination threats. By using a multidisciplinary approach, the proposed research program addresses two essential questions: (i) What is the role of minerals such as manganese oxides in soil carbon cycling? and (ii) How do interactions among microorganisms, minerals, and organic matter control redox-active contaminants (anthropogenic and geogenic) which threaten groundwater quality?