Thomas Wietsma | Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

X-Ray Computed Tomography of Sediment Samples

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Danielle Saunders

Project type

Contracted Time

We propose to use X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to generate 3-D images of sediment cores to aid in describing the physical characteristics of the subsurface. Intact core sediments (e.g., from the…

X-Ray Computed Tomography of Sediment Samples

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Michelle Valenta Snyder

We propose to use X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to generate 3-D images of sediment cores to aid in describing the physical characteristics of the subsurface. Intact core sediments (e.g., from the…

Investigating spatiotemporal monitoring of soil organic matter using spectral induced polarization

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Judith Robinson

Understanding soil organic matter (SOM) dynamic behavior and interactions is critical in determining regional soil fertility and health. SOM controls crop yields, the diversity of microorganisms used…

Demonstration of the Multiple-Location Saturation-Pressure Apparatus for Multiphase Porous Media Systems

Lead Institution

Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO-NITG

Principal Investigator

Cornelis Hofstee

Project type

Exploratory Research

Parameter values for saturation-pressure models are either obtained from the literature or determined experimentally. The experimental apparati used to determine data for systems involving NAPL are…

Role of Microenvironments and Transition Zones in Field scale microbial ecology and biogeochemistry

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James McKinley

Project type

Exploratory Research

This is a renewal proposal for a previous collaborative effort between the PNNL Scientific Focus Area (SFA) and EMSL. The research proposed will resolve critical Hanford and basic subsurface science…

Hydro-Biogeochemical Process Dynamics in the Groundwater-Surface Water Interaction Zone

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

John Zachara

This is a renewal proposal for a previous collaborative effort between the PNNL Scientific Focus Area (SFA) and EMSL.PNNL Scientific Focus Area. The PNNL SFA will develop a predictive understanding…

An Integrated Approach to Quantifying the Coupled Biotic and Abiotic Mechanism, Rates and Long-Term Performance of Phosphate Barriers for In Situ Immobilization of Uranium

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Dawn Wellman

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

Operations related to nuclear energy and weapons production have resulted in numerous areas, worldwide, exhibiting surface and subsurface uranium contamination of geologic media. Within the United…

Role of Microenvironments and Transition Zones in Field Scale Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James McKinley

Project type

Limited Scope

This is a renewal proposal for a previous collaborative effort between the PNNL Scientific Focus Area (SFA) and EMSL. The research proposed will resolve critical Hanford and basic subsurface science…

Rhizosphere processes at molecular to core scale

Lead Institution

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Nancy Hess

The amount of C in soil far exceeds the C content of atmosphere as well as the amount C stored above ground as plant biomass. The C fluxes between atmosphere and biomass are huge, many orders of…

Desiccation of Porous Media to Limit Contaminant Migration

Lead Institution

Auburn University

Principal Investigator

Jacob Dane

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

The primary attribute of soil desiccation is the removal of excess moisture from the subsurface, thereby reducing potential downward migration of water and contaminant solutes within the vadose zone…

Pore-Scale Investigation of the Impacts of Transverse Mixing and Solution Chemistry on Mineral Precipitation Relevant to CO2 Sequestration

Lead Institution

ExxonMobil Research and Engineering

Principal Investigator

Changyong Zhang

Project type

Exploratory Research

Transverse mixing limited reactive transport resulting in mineral precipitation impact groundwater remediation and geological sequestration of CO2, due to reductions in effective porosity and…

Influences of Hydrologic Exchange Flows on River Corridor and Watershed Biogeochemical Function

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James Stegen

We are developing predictive understanding of the processes that govern influences of hydrologic exchange flows on water quality, nutrient dynamics, and ecosystem health in dynamic river corridor…

Determining the Effects of Organic Chemical Mixtures and Wastewater on DNAPL Migration

Lead Institution

Sandia National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Hongkyu Yoon

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

DNAPL spill and water discharge scenarios at the ground surface may significantly impact DNAPL migration, entrapment, and subsequent effects on groundwater quality. A notable example is the Hanford…

A Novel Experimental Method to Obtain Apparent Viscosity of Shear-Thinning Fluids in Saturated Porous Media

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Mart Oostrom

Project type

Exploratory Research

The Department of Energy (DOE) has recently funded a project to strengthen the science behind the injection of shear-thinning fluids in unconfined subsurface systems. Shear-thinning fluids, usually…

PhenoAccess: Physiological Phenotyping of Brachypodium Accessions

Lead Institution

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Amir Ahkami

Although the effects of elevated CO2 on plant growth, physiology and metabolism has been investigated thoroughly, the underlying integrated organismal, cellular and molecular mechanisms of these…

Lab Studies of Phytoremediation & Apatite Sequestration (PNNL Scope #46524

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James Szecsody

Project type

Exploratory Research

Need IC analysis on some samples

Wettability and mass transfer effects on flow and transport of mixed DNAPL in Hanford Site sediments

Lead Institution

University of Texas at Austin

Principal Investigator

Charles Werth

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

Approximately 750,000 kg of DNAPL containing carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was discharged to the vadose zone at the Hanford site. Assuming equilibrium partitioning among phases, an estimated 64%…

Experimental Determination of Carbon Tetrachloride Mass Fluxes into Groundwater from Vadose Zone Sources

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Mart Oostrom

Project type

Exploratory Research

The Department of Energy (DOE) has recently funded a numerical and experimental project in their Environmental Management (EM) Science and Technology Roadmap program with the goal to improve…

Influences of Hydrologic Exchange Flows on River Corridor and Watershed Biogeochemical Function

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James Stegen

We are developing predictive understanding of the processes that govern influences of hydrologic exchange flows on water quality, nutrient dynamics, and ecosystem health in dynamic river corridor…

Structural Genomics Collaborative Access Team (CAT)

Lead Institution

Miami University

Principal Investigator

Michael Kennedy

The Structural Genomics CAT will carry out research focused in structural genomics and related research areas with a primary goal of increasing throughput, maximizing efficiency of existing resources…

Experimental Investigation of Sr-90 Subsurface Contamination Sequestration in Hanford 100N Area Sediments by Surface Infiltration of an Apatite Solution

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James Szecsody

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

Strontium-90 (Sr-90) discharge from past-practice liquid waste disposal sites in the Hanford 100N area have resulted in Sr-90 release to groundwater, Columbia River, and biota on the Columbia River…

Subsurface Behavior of Ethanol-Blended Gasoline: Intermediate-Scale Flow Cell Experimentation to Develop a Data Base for Numerical Model Testing and Verification

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Mart Oostrom

Project type

Exploratory Research

The main objective of the proposed experimental effort is to develop an initial data set for subsurface blended-gasoline flow and transport that can be used to test and verify the multifluid flow…

Influences of Hydrologic Exchange Flows on River Corridor and Watershed Biogeochemical Function

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James Stegen

We are developing predictive understanding of the processes that govern influences of hydrologic exchange flows on water quality, nutrient dynamics, and ecosystem health in dynamic river corridor…

Demonstration of the Capability of Mobility-Controlled-Flooding Technology to Overcome Heterogeneity Induced Bypassing in Subsurface Remediation (PNNL LDRD #90001
Overcoming Heterogeneity Induced Bypassing)

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Lirong Zhong

Project type

Exploratory Research

Introduction Heterogeneity induces bypassing of low-permeability zones in subsurface fluid flooding operations for remediation purposes. The contaminant in the bypassed areas is therefore…

Subsurface Reductive Elimination of Trichloroethylene using Zero-Valent Iron Emplaced by Polymer Solutions

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Michael Truex

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

Zero-valent iron (ZVI) has been used for in situ remediation of inorganic compounds and chlorinated solvents through engineered permeable reactive barriers and injectable ZVI particles. A key aspect…

Determination of Water Saturation in Relatively Dry and Desiccated Porous Media using Gas-phase Partitioning Tracer Tests

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Michael Truex

Project type

Exploratory Research

Soil desiccation (drying), involving water evaporation induced by dry air injection and extraction, is a potentially robust remediation process to slow migration of inorganic or radionuclide…

Imaging and Analysis of Root System Architecture with an Automated Non-invasive Phenotyping System

Lead Institution

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Amir Ahkami

We will deploy a Non-invasive Automated Root Imager (NARI) System for the capture and image analysis of root traits to EMSL user community. The NARI system is partially assembled and once completed…

Thrust 4: Model Hematite Thin Films and Bacterial Iron Reduction (LDRD: Cytochrome and Whole Cell Interactions with Iron Oxides)

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Timothy Droubay

Project type

Grand Challenge

This LDRD project is the fourth one associated with the Biogeochemistry Grand Challenge (BGC). Its overall goal is to develop new capabilities and materials as needed to understand the molecular…

Coprecipitation of Aluminum Hydroxides and Calcium Carbonates during Denitrification: A Stabilization Strategy for Oxidized Metals and Radionuclides

Lead Institution

Oregon State University

Principal Investigator

Jonathan Istok

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

Research conducted at the Field Research Center (FRC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and at the Old Rifle site has demonstrated that it is possible to stimulate indigenous microbial activity and…

S & T Road Mapping for Needs From All Sources (Zachara EM-ST, PNNL Scope #30998)

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

John Zachara

Project type

Exploratory Research

Hanford Remediation and Closure Science Project The Hanford Site Groundwater Protection Program, formerly the Groundwater/ Vadose Zone Integration Project, was established in 1997 to develop the…

X Ray Tomography of Intact Hanford Cores

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Adam Mangel

We propose to use XCT to generate 3-D images of sediment cores to aid in describing the physical characteristics of the subsurface. Intact core from the Hanford Central Plateau require sediment…

Thrust Area 3:Mutagenesis and Functional Characterization of Shewanella oneidensis Genes Involved in Fe(III) and Mn(IV) Oxide Reduction (LDRD #3)

Lead Institution

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Alex Beliaev

Project type

Grand Challenge

Although microbial metal reduction has been extensively studied from standpoints of ecology, physiology, genetics and biochemistry, little is known about the molecular mechanisms and pathways of…

Development of a Microfluidics Flow and Transport Laboratory

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Mart Oostrom

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

The Environmental Spectroscopy and Biogeochemistry (ESB) Facility, in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana, proposes to develop a microfluidics capability to investigate…

Remediation & Closure Science Project/ Subsurface Science Tasks (Zachara/Freshly, EM-closure, PNNL Scope #47040). [was aka S & T Road Mapping for Needs From All Sources (PNNL Scope #30998)].

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

John Zachara

Project type

Exploratory Research

Hanford Remediation and Closure Science Project The Hanford Site Groundwater Protection Program, formerly the Groundwater/ Vadose Zone Integration Project, was established in 1997 to develop the…

3D pore-scale characterization of soil cores in EMSL: Imaging - Pore Network Analysis - Flow and Transport Properties workflow

Lead Institution

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Tamas Varga

As part of a larger effort to establish a soil characterization capability that will make EMSL a one-stop shop for high-throughput characterization of soil microstructure, flow and transport…

Effect of NAPL Dissolution on NAPL-Water Interfacial Area

Lead Institution

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

Principal Investigator

Martin Schroth

Project type

Exploratory Research

The release of nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPL) into soils and aquifers is a widespread and serious environmental problem. The typically low solubilities of NAPL cause them to dissolve slowly; thus…

Chlorinated Methane Hydrolysis Rates

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James Amonette

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

The purpose of the work proposed here is to develop accurate physical chemical data for the hydrolysis rates of carbon tetrachloride (CT) and chloroform (CF) under conditions (temperature, pH,…

The Role of Microenvironments and Physicochemical Subsurface Components on Field Scale Biogeochemistry and Contaminant Mobility

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James McKinley

Project type

Exploratory Research

This is a renewal proposal for a previous collaborative effort between the PNNL Scientific Focus Area (SFA) and EMSL. The research proposed will resolve critical Hanford and basic subsurface science…

Influence of soil porous microstructure on the distribution and transport of SOM

Lead Institution

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Tamas Varga

There is a need to better understand the relationship between soil pore structure and the fate and transport of soil organic matter (SOM) to improve process-based predictions of OM accessibility…

Determination of Hydrolysis Rate for CCl4 under ambient groundwater conditions. (PNNL Scope #46431, Amonette's Fluor Hanford)

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

James Amonette

Project type

Exploratory Research

We propose work that will provide critical data needed to determine the natural rate of hydrolysis for CCl4 (CT) in the groundwater at the Hanford Site. The experimental design includes a number of…

Microscale and spectroscopic investigations in geochemical and microbiological systems

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

John Zachara

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

Apply experimental manipulation and field investigations to understanding the behavior of selected chemical and microbial components in natural systems. The research is targeted towards compounds…

Intermediate-scale Laboratory Experiments to Evaluate Pore-water Extraction from Hanford Sediments

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Mart Oostrom

Preliminary flow cell experiments have demonstrated that sustained pore-water extraction from unsaturated sediments can be obtained under highly controlled conditions in the laboratory. The design…

High-throughput rhizosphere biosensor development

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Joshua Elmore

The development of robust quantitative in situ bacterial biosensors that report on inter-organismal rhizosphere signaling, soil conditions, and plant health remains a pivotal goal for the research…

Chemistry of Aerosols in Mexico City: MILAGRO 2006 study.

Lead Institution

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Mary Gilles

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

The MILAGRO (Megacity Initiative: Local and Global Research Observations) Campaign in Mexico City 2006 was a collaborative effort with the DOE Atmospheric Science Program, the NSF MIRAGE-Mex field…

Experimental Investigation of Strontium Mass Transfer in a Dynamic Vadose Zone - Aquifer - River System

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Steven Yabusaki

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

At a number of DOE sites, groundwater flowing through contaminated sediments before discharging to a river is being relied on to meet regulatory standards. This natural flushing (i.e., monitored…

Development of Electrical Resistivity Tomography Techniques for the Determination of Porous Media Water Saturations and Formation Factors in Laboratory Columns

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Mart Oostrom

Recently, DOE-RL has funded a project proposal to develop a laboratory Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) technique to determine water saturations in the subsurface based on conductivity changes…

X-Ray Computed Tomography of Sediment Samples

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Michelle Valenta Snyder

We propose to use X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to generate 3-D images of sediment cores to aid in describing the physical characteristics of the subsurface. Intact core sediments (e.g., from the…

Protein Interactions and Interfaces

Lead Institution

Rutgers University

Principal Investigator

Gaetano Montelione

Project type

Large-Scale EMSL Research

All proteins interact with other molecules: ligands, metals, membranes, surfaces or other proteins. Such interactions are intrinsic to protein function. We propose to leverage our successful program…

Reaction Specificity of Nanoparticles in Solution (PNNL Scope # 42184/44076, Baer/Amonette Nano-Fe BES/EMSP project)

Lead Institution

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Donald Baer

Project type

Exploratory Research

This User Proposal is being submitted as part of an approved NSET proposal under PIs Don Baer and Paul Tratnyek to perform fundamental basic science studies that will benefit a whole range of…

Pore-Scale Research Campaign: Development of Solute Transport Data Sets for Benchmarking Pore-Scale Numerical Simulators

Lead Institution

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Principal Investigator

Mart Oostrom

Project type

Research Campaign

Developing pore-scale transport predictive models in subsurface research is relevant to, among others, contaminant and colloidal transport, non-aqueous phase liquid dissolution, and deep…

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