In collaboration with project leaders at Columbia University and the University of Dhaka our team investigated the carbon sources fueling microbial iron reduction which results in the release of sorbed arsenic into groundwater supplies. We demonstrated that subsurface microbes were using dissolved carbon sources recently introduced to the system. A second component of the study was our demonstration of the presence of biomarkers of mammalian fecal input suggesting that surface derived inputs were driving these reactions.
Impact
This work has resulted in two publications that contribute to elucidating the processes causing arsenic exposure that is poisoning millions of people in Bangladesh and south-east Asia. Greater understanding of the processes controlling arsenic release will lead to better mitigation and management decisions. A particular goal is the protection of deeper groundwater resources from impacts similar to what has occurred in shallow aquifers.
Student Experience
Graduate student had the opportunity to collaborate with international partners and to interact with researchers working on a number of other aspects of the project, broadening her experience and perspective.
