Trace elements that we study include radioactive contaminants such as Uranium (U), toxic trace elements such as Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd), and micronutrient trace elements that human activities have released in contaminating concentrations into the environment, such as Zinc (Zn).

Our research combines field, laboratory and theoretical investigations aimed at quantifying the fundamental relationships among water, rocks and life that govern trace element geochemistry. Much of our laboratory work focuses on the interaction of bacteria with trace metals. Bacteria can affect trace metallic elements in many ways; through biomineralization, intracellular uptake, adsorption onto cell surfaces, and enzymatic oxidation/reduction.

The slideshow below illustrates some aspects of the field and laboratory work carried in the MAGBAT lab.