Microbial Transformations of Selenium
Idaho, known as the Gem State, continues to be a major source of a variety of minerals including phosphate, silver and star garnets. As a consequence of historical mining operations, many regions within the state have been or continue to be negatively impacted by problems associated with mining wastes, particularly the leaching of high concentrations of toxic metals and metalloids. We are investigating the impact of microorganisms on the mobility and sequestration of selenium that is being leached from waste rock as a consequence of oxidative weathering processes.
Related Links:
Idaho Mining Association
www.idahomining.org/members_simplot.html
Idaho mining
http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/geog/mining/minefr.htm
Undergraduate and graduate students interested in working on a research project are encouraged to contact Dr. Susan Childers at childers@uidaho.edu.