EAR-PF: Biogeochemistry of Nitrogen Associated with Discharge of Coal Bed Methane Production Water: Transport and Fate in Western Watersheds

Rebecca Barnes博士被授予NSF地球科学博士后奖学金，以在美国地质调查局博尔德开展一项研究和教育计划。巴恩斯博士将研究煤层气(CBM)开采对怀俄明州波德河流域溪流化学的影响。研究目标将通过研究半干旱流域氮素收支和行为的变化来实现。调查的基础将是对溪水进行密集采样，以及田间和实验室实验，以确定硝化速率的变化。水的化学分析将包括氨浓度和氮和氧同位素。这些结果将有助于更好地了解煤层气开采对河流水体的化学效应。随着新的煤层气开采区开始生产，这些信息可用于决策。此外，巴恩斯博士将与科罗拉多大学博尔德分校、刘易斯堡学院和山地研究所的教职员工合作，为圣胡安山脉社区的成员开发实地课程，以培养分水岭识字能力。之所以选择这个社区，是因为未来有开采煤层气的潜力。

Dr. Rebecca Barnes is awarded an NSF Earth Science Postdoctoral Fellowship to carry out a program of research and education at the United States Geological Survey, Boulder. Dr. Barnes will examine the effects of coal bed methane (CBM) extraction in the chemistry of streams in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. The research goals will be accomplished by examining the changes in nitrogen budgets and behavior in the semi-arid watershed. The investigation will be based on intensive sampling of stream waters, and field and laboratory experiments to determine changes in the nitrification rates. Chemical analyses of water will include ammonium concentrations and nitrogen and oxygen isotopes. These results will contribute to better understanding of the chemical effects of coal bed methane extraction on stream waters. The information can be used to inform decisions as new CBM extraction areas begin production.In addition, Dr. Barnes will collaborate with faculty from the University of Colorado - Boulder, Fort Lewis College and the Mountain Studies Institute in developing field based classes for members of the San Juan Mountains community to foster watershed literacy. This community was selected because there is potential for CBM extraction in the future.