VDM Arthurs, L: Natural Organic Matter, Heavy Metals, and Goethi

Dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) and heavy metals are abundant in aqueous and terrestrial systems. Goethite is a ubiquitous iron oxide mineral found in sediments and aquifers. Sorption processes involving mineral surfaces largely control the fate, transport, and environmental impacts of NOM and heavy metals. An understanding of NOM and metal sorptive behaviors is therefore helpful in the development of predictive models. To better understand the interactions between NOM, heavy metals, and mineral surfaces, this research (1) implemented a bulk property approach to study NOM and potential aqueous complexation between NOM and heavy metals, (2) studied the mutual effects of NOM and cadmium on their sorption to goethite, and (3) began to develop a web-based computer simulator to model NOM sorption at the mineral-water interface. ...