Microbial controls on metal ion mobility
Issue Date
2012-12-31Author
Leslie, Karla Louise
Publisher
University of Kansas
Format
425 pages
Type
Dissertation
Degree Level
Ph.D.
Discipline
Geology
Rights
This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In this dissertation, the biogeochemical controls on metal mobility in the subsurface are examined; specifically, the release of metals from buried mineralization, the transport of metals through overburden, and the sequestration of metals in soil. Field investigations were carried out to determine the relevant microbial ecology in direct proximity to and in soil overlying a buried volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) Cu-Zn deposit, and column experiments were completed to examine the biogeochemical controls on metal mobility in the subsurface. It was determined that the microbial abundance and community composition in soil overlying mineralization was significantly different than background locations, and therefore, can serve as a tool in the exploration for economic deposits. It was also determined that biogeochemical processes in the subsurface increase the mobility of metals, directly influencing the subsequent sequestration in the soil zone. Based on this research, it is clear that biogeochemical processes in the subsurface increase the development of the surficial soil anomalies used in the exploration for buried mineralization.
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- Dissertations [4660]
- Geology Dissertations and Theses [232]
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