Characterization of dissolved organic carbon in deep crustal fracture water using solid state nuclear magnetic resonance analysis
EMSL Project ID
48104
Abstract
The specific aim is to characterize the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in deep groundwater to determine its biotic and abiotic sources and its potential to be metabolized by subsurface microorganisms. Various NMR techniques have previously been used to characterize organic matter isolated from surface waters. However, the application of these techniques to DOC isolated from groundwater will be a first. The NMR analysis will augment an ongoing NSF-funded groundwater geochemistry and microbiology study that has a field component in the deep mines of South Africa. We have already collected DOC from deep (1-3 km) deep crustal fracture waters in South Africa and have concentrated it into solid form. This will be a first ever, proof-of-concept study analyzing 4 samples in preparation for larger, joint proposals with EMSL to NSF and DOE. The data will also be the capstone for a nearly completed characterization of deep fracture water samples by other methods in preparation for a manuscript in preparation for ES&T, as well as our NSF final report (ending date 30 Sep. 2013), and a student’s M.S. thesis.
Project Details
Project type
Limited Scope
Start Date
2013-07-24
End Date
2013-08-27
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator