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Groundwater Geochemistry and Remediation Group
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  • About Groundwater Geochemistry and Remediation Group
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  • Recent publications
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  1. Groundwater Geochemistry and Remediation Group

Recent publications

Dr. David Blowes

2020

  • Liu, Y., Ptacek, C.J., Baldwin, R.J., Cooper, J.M., Blowes, D.W., 2020. Application of zer-valent iron coupled with biochar for removal of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic and sulfonic acids from water under ambient environmental conditions. Sci. Total Environ., 719: 137372

  • Pakostova, E., Schmall, A.J., Holland, S.P., White, H., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2020. Performance of a geosynthetic-clay-liner cover system at a Cu/Zn mine tailings impoundment. Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 86(8): 2846

  • Bao, Z., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Bain, J., Holland, S.P., Wilson, D., Wilson, W., MacKenzie, P., 2020. Faro waste rock project: characterizing variably saturated flow behavior through full-scale waste-rock dumps in the continental subarctic region of northern Canada using field measurements and stable isotopes of water. Water Resour. Res. 56(3): e2019WR026374

  • McNeill, B.J., Pakostova, E., Bain, J.G., Gould, W.D., Amos, R.T., Wilson, G.W., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2020. Microbial community structure within a weathered waste-rock pile overlain by a monolayer soil cover. Appl. Geochem., 114: 104531.

  • Pakostova, E., Johnson, D.B., Bao, Z., MacKenzie, P.M., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2020. Bacterial and archaeal diversity in sulfide-bearing waste rock at Faro Mine Complex, Yukon Territory, Canada. Geomicrobiol. J.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., Liu, Y.Y., 2020. Characterization of chromium species and distribution during Cr (VI) removal by biochar using confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence redox mapping and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Environ. Int., 134: 105216

  • Wang, A.O., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., Paktunc, D., Mack, E.E., 2020. Use of hardwood and sulfurized-hardwood biochars as amendments to floodplain soil from South River, VA, USA: Impacts of drying-rewetting on Hg removal. Sci. Total Environ., 712:136018

2019

  • Suhogusoff, A.V., Hirata, R., Ferrari, L.C.K.M., Robertson, W.D., Stimson, J., Forbes, D., Blowes, D.W., 2019. Field performance of two on-site wastewater treatment systems using reactive media layers for nutrient and pathogen removal. J. Water Process Eng., 32: 100905

  • Liu, Y.Y., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Groza, L.G., 2019. Removal of pharmaceutical compounds, artificial sweeteners, and perfluoroalkyl substances from water using a passive treatment system containing zero-valent iron and biochar. Sci. Total Environ., 691: 165-177.

  • Suhogusoff, A.V., Hirata, R., Aravena, R., Robertson, W.D., Ferrari, L.C.K.M., Stimson, J., Blowes, D.W., 2019. Dynamics of nitrate degradation along an alternative latrine improved by a sawdust permeable reactive barrier (PRB) installed in an irregular settlement in the municipality of São Paulo (Brazil). Ecol. Eng., 138: 310-322.

  • Langman, J.B., Sinclair, S., Amos, R.T., Wilson, D., Ptacek, C.J., Sego, D.C., Smith, L., Blowes, D.W., 2019. Alkalinity generation from weathering of accessory calcite and apatite and acid drainage neutralization in an Archean granitoid waste rock. J. Geochem. Explor., 205: 106341

  • Hussain, S.I., Frey, S.K., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Wilson, D., Mayer, K.U., Danyang, S., Gottschall, N., Edwards, M., Lapen, D.R., 2019. Reactive transport of manure-derived nitrogen in the vadose zone: Considerations of macropore connectivity to subsurface receptors. Vadose Zone J., 18(1): 1-18

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2019. Release of nutrients and trace elements from wood-, agricultural residue- and manure-based biochars. Int. J. Environ. Res., 13(4): 747-758

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., 2019. Mercury distribution and speciation in biochar particles reacted with contaminated sediment up to 1030 days: A synchrotron-based study. Sci. Total Environ., 662: 915-922.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., Steinepreis, M., Budimir, F., 2019. A method for redox mapping by confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence imaging: using chromium species in a biochar particle as an example. Anal. Chem.

  • Wang, A.O., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gibson, B.D., Landis, R.C., Dyer, J.A., Ma, J., 2019. Application of hardwood biochar as a reactive capping mat to stabilize mercury derived from contaminated floodplain soil and riverbank sediments. Sci. Total Environ., 652: 549-561.

  • Wilkin, R.T., Lee, T.R., Sexton, M.R., Acree, S.D., Puls, R.W., Blowes, D.W., Kalinowski, C., Tilton, J.M., Woods, L.L., 2019. Geochemical and isotope study of trichloroethene degradation in a zero-valent iron permeable reactive barrier: A twenty-two-year performance evaluation. Environ. Sci. Technol., 53(1): 296-306.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2019. Mercury complexation with dissolved organic matter released from thirty-six types of biochar. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 103(1): 175-180.

2018

  • Wilson, D., Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., Langman, J.B., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., 2018. Diavik Waste Rock Project: Scale-up of a reactive transport model for temperature and sulfide-content dependent geochemical evolution of waste rock. Appl. Geochem., 96: 177-190.

  • Shrimpton, H.K., Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2018. Real-time XANES measurement of Se reduction by zerovalent iron in a flow-through cell, and accompanying Se isotope measurements. Environ. Sci. Technol., 52(16): 9304-9310.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gould, W.D., 2018. Control of mercury and methylmercury in contaminated sediments using biochars: A long-term microcosm study. Appl. Geochem., 92:30-44.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Elena, K.M.A., Blowes, D.W., Gould, W.D., Finfrock, Y.Z., Wang, A.O., Landis, R.C., 2018. Evaluation of mercury stabilization mechanisms by sulfurized biochars determined using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. J. Hazard. Mater., 347: 114-122.

  • Wilson, D., Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., Langman, J.B., Ptacek, C.J., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., 2018. Diavik waste rock project: A conceptual model for temperature and sulfide-content dependent geochemical evolution of waste rock-Laboratory scale. Appl. Geochem., 89:160-172.

  • Paulson, K.M.A., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gould, W.D., Ma, J., Landis, R.C., Dyer, J.A., 2018. Role of organic carbon sources and sulfate in controlling net methylmercury production in riverbank sediments of the South River, VA (USA). Geomicrobiol. J., 35(1): 1-14.

2017

  • Saurette, E.M., Groza, L.G., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2017. Storage and preservation of artificial sweeteners in groundwater samples. Ground water Monit. Remediat., 37(4):71-81. 

  • Langman, J.B., Veeramani, H., Bailey, B.L., Blowes, D.W., Wilson, D., Smith, L, Sego, D.C., Amos, R.T., Holland, S.P., 2017. Waste rock biogeochemistry in a permafrost environment: Examination of a cover design for a low sulfide, granitic waste rock. Geomicrobiol. J., 34(8): 656-669

  • Bao, Z., Haberer, C.M., Maier, U., Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., Grathwohl, P., 2017. Modeling controls on the chemical weathering of marine mudrocks from the Middle Jurassic in Southern Germany. Chem. Geol., 459: 1-12.

  • Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Shrimpton, H.J., Veeramani, H., Ptacek, C.J., Lanzirotti, A., Newville, M., Blowes, D.W., 2017. Evaluating zinc isotope fractionation under sulfate reducing conditions using a flow-through cell and in situ XAS analysis. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 203: 1-14.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Z., Gordon, R.A., 2017. Stabilization of mercury in sediment by biochars under reducing conditions. J. Hazard. Mater., 325: 120-128.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., 2017. A beam path-based method for attenuation correction of confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence imaging data. J. Anal. At. Spectrom. 32(8): 1582-1589.
  • Langman, J.B., Blowes, D.W., Amos, R.T., Atherton, C., Wilson, D., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., Sinclair, S.A., 2017. Influence of a tundra freeze-thaw cycle on sulfide oxidation and metal leaching in a low sulfur, granitic waste rock. Appl. Geochem. 76: 9-21.

2016

  • Sanz-Prat, A., Lu, C., Amos, R.T., Finkel, M., Blowes, D.W., Cirpka, O.A., 2016. Exposure-time based modeling of nonlinear reactive transport in porous media subject to physical and geochemical heterogeneity. J. Contam. Hydrol. 192: 35-49.
  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Landis, R.C., 2016. Mechanisms of mercury removal by biochars produced from different feedstocks determined using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. J. Hazard Mater., in press.
  • Bailey, B.L., Blowes, D.W., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., 2016. The Diavik Waste Rock Project: Geochemical and microbiological characterization of low sulfide content large-scale waste rock test piles. Appl. Geochem., 65: 54-72.

2015

  • Sinclair, S.A., Pham, N., Amos, R.T., Sego, D.C., Smith, L., Blowes, D.W., 2015. Influence of freeze-thaw dynamics on internal geochemical evolution of low sulfide waste rock. Appl. Geochem, 61: 160-174.
  • Veeramani, H., Eagling, J., Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Kong, L., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2015. Zinc isotope fractionation as an indicator of geochemical attenuation processes. Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett., 2(11): 341-319.
  • Langman, J.B., Blowes, D.W., Sinclair, S.A., Krentz, A., Amos, R.T., Smith, L.J.D., Pham, H.N., Sego, D.C., Smith, L., 2015. Early evolution of weathering and sulfide depletion of a low-sulfur, granitic, waste rock in an Arctic climate: A laboratory and field site comparison. J. Geochem. Explor., 156: 61-71.
  • Shrimpton, H.K., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2015. Fractionation of selenium during selenate reduction by granular zero valent iron. Environ. Sci. Technol., 49(19): 11688-11696.
  • Smith, L.J., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Groza, L.G., Moncur, M.C., 2015. Perchlorate in lake water from an operating diamond mine. Environ. Sci. Technol., 49(13): 7589-7596.
  • Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2015. Dual mechanism conceptual model for Cr isotope fractionation during reduction by zerovalent iron under saturated flow conditions. Environ. Sci. Technol., 49(9): 5467-5475.
  • Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., Bailey, B.L., Sego, D.C., Smith, L., Ritchie, A.I.M., 2015. Waste-rock hydrogeology and geochemistry. Appl. Geochem., 57: 140-156.
  • Langman, J.B., Blowes, D.W., Veeramani, H., Wilson, D., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., Paktunc, D., 2015. The mineral and aqueous phase evolution of sulfur and nickel with weathering of pyrrhotite in a low sulfide, granitic waste rock. Chem. Geol., 401: 169-179.
  • Bailey, B.L., Blowes, D.W., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., 2015. The Diavik Waste Rock Project: Geochemical and microbiological characterization of drainage from low-sulfide waste rock: Active zone field experiments. Appl. Geochem., 62: 18-34.
  • Desrochers, K.A.N., Paulson, K.M.A., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gould, W.D., 2015. Effect of electron donor to sulfate ratio on mercury methylation in floodplain sediments under saturated flow conditions. Geomicrobiol. J., 32(10): 924-933.
  • Nordstrom, D.K., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2015. Hydrogeochemistry and microbiology of mine drainage: An update. Appl. Geochem., 57: 3-16.
  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Moncur, M.C., Bain, J.G., Jambor, J.K., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2015. Geochemical and mineralogical aspects of sulfide mine tailings. Appl. Geochem., 57: 157-177.
  • Gibson, B.D., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Daugherty, S.D., 2015. Sediment resuspension under variable geochemical conditions and implications for contaminant release. J. Soils Sediments, 15(7): 1644-1656.
  • Moncur, M.C., Ptacek, C.J., Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., Jambor, J.L., 2015. Long-term mineralogical and geochemical evolution of sulfide-rich mine tailings under a shallow water cover. Appl. Geochem., 57: 178-193.
  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Berti, W.R., Landis, R.C., 2015. Aqueous leaching of organic acids and dissolved organic carbon for various biochars prepared at different temperatures. J. Environ. Qual. 44: 684–695.
  • Hussain, S.I., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Wooten, B., Balch, G., Higgins, J., 2015. Mechanisms of phosphorus removal in a pilot-scale constructed wetland/BOF slag wastewater treatment system. Environ. Eng. Sci., 32(4): 341-352.

​​2014

  • Liu, Y.Y., Blowes, D.W., Groza, L., Sabourin, M.J., Ptacek, C.J., 2014. Acesulfame-K and pharmaceuticals as co-tracers of municipal wastewater in a receiving river. Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 16(12): 2789-2795.
  • Hussain, S.I., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Olding, D. 2014. Phosphorus removal from lake water using basic oxygen furnace slag: System performance and characterization of reaction products. Environ. Eng. Sci., 31(11): 631-642.
  • Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Lentz, A.M., Amos, R.T., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Examination of Cr(VI) treatment mechanisms by in situ, real-time X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Cr isotope measurements. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta., 142: 299-313.
  • Jeen, S.W., Bain, J.G., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Evaluation of mixtures of peat, zero-valent iron and alkalinity amendments for treatment of acid rock drainage. Appl. Geochem., 43: 66-79.
  • Matthies, R., Sinclair, S.A., Blowes, D.W., 2014. The zinc stable isotope signature of waste rock drainage in the Canadian permafrost region. Appl. Geochem., 48: 53-57.
  • Langman, J.B., Moore, M.L., Ptacek, C.J., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Diavik Waste Rock Project: Evolution of mineral weathering, element release, and acid generation and neutralization during a five-year humidity cell experiment. Minerals, 4: 257-278.
  • Linley, S. Liu, Y.Y., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gu, F.X., 2014. Recyclable graphene oxide supported titanium dioxide photocatalysts with tunable properties. Appl. Materials & Interfaces, 6(7): 4658-4668.
  • Matthies, R., Krahé, L., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Zinc stable isotope fractionation upon accelerated oxidative weathering of sulfidic mine waste. Sci. Tot. Environ. 487: 97-101.
  • Liu, Y.-Y., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Treatment of dissolved perchlorate, nitrate, and sulfate using zero-valent iron and organic carbon. J. Environ. Qual., 43(3): 842-850.
  • Moncur, M.C., Ptacek, C.J., Hayashi, M., Birks, S.J., Jambor, J.L., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Seasonal cycling and mass-loading of dissolved metals and sulfate discharging from an abandoned mine site in northern Canada. Appl. Geochem., 40: 176-188.

​​2013

  • Moncur, M.C., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2013. Pore-water extraction from the unsaturated and saturated zones. Can. J. Earth Sci., 50: 1051-1058.
  • Bailey, B.L., Smith, L.J.D., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., 2013. The Diavik Waste Rock Project: Persistence of contaminants from blasting agents in waste rock effluent. Appl. Geochem., 36: 256-270.
  • Chi, X., Amos, R.T., Stastna, M., Blowes, D.W., Sego, D.C., Smith, L., 2013. The Diavik Waste Rock Project: Implications of wind-induced gas transport, Appl. Geochem., 36: 246-255.
  • Pham, N.H., Sego, D.C., Arenson, L.U., Blowes, D.W., Amos, R.T., Smith, L., 2013. The Diavik Waste Rock Project: Measurement of the thermal regime of a waste-rock test pile in a permafrost environment, Appl. Geochem., 36: 234-245.
  • Neuner, M., Smith, L., Blowes, D.W., Sego, D.C., Smith, L.J.D., Fretz, N., Gupton, M., 2013. The Diavik Waste Rock Project: Water flow though mine waste rock in a permafrost terrain, Appl.Geochem., 36: 222-233.
  • Smith, L.J.D., Bailey, B.L., Blowes, D.W., Jambor, J.L., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., 2013. The Diavik Waste Rock Project: Initial geochemical response from a low sulfide waste rock pile, Appl.Geochem., 36: 210-221.
  • Smith, L.J.D., Blowes, D.W. , Jambor, J.L., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., Neuner, M., 2013. The Diavik Waste Rock Project: Particle size distribution and sulfur characteristics of low-sulfide waste rock., Appl. Geochem., 36: 200-209.
  • Bilardi, S., Amos, R. T., Blowes, D. W., Calabrò, P. S., Moraci, N., 2013. Reactive transport modeling of ZVI column experiments for nickel remediation. Ground Water Monitor. & Remed., 33: 97-104.
  • McDonald, C. M., Gould, W. D., Lindsay, M. B. J., Blowes, D. W., Ptacek, C. J., & Condon, P. D. 2013. Assessing cellulolysis in passive treatment systems for mine drainage: A modified enzyme assay. J. Environ. Qual., 42: 48-55.

​​2012

  • Gibson, B.D., Blowes, D.W., Lindsay, M.B.J., Ptacek, C.J., 2012. Mechanistic investigations of Se(VI) treatment in anoxic groundwater using granular iron and organic carbon. An EXAFS study. J. Hazard. Mater., 241-242(11): 92-100.
  • Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., 2012. Reactive transport modelling of Chromium isotope fractionation during Cr(VI) reduction. Environ. Sci. and Technol., 46: 13311-13316.
  • Parviainen, A., Lindsay, M.B.J., Pérez-López, R., Gibson, B.D., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K., 2012. Arsenic attenuation in tailings at a former Cu-W-As mine, SW Finland. Appl. Geochem., 27(12): 2289-2299.
  • Amos, R.T., Bekins, B.A., Cozzarelli, I.M., Voytek, M.A., Kirshtein, J.D., Jones, E.J.P., Blowes, D.W., 2012. Evidence for iron-mediated anaerobic methane oxidation in a crude oil contaminated aquifer. Geobiol., 10(6): 506-517.
  • Jeen, S.-W., Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., 2012. Modeling gas formation and mineral precipitation in a granular iron column. Environ. Sci. Technol., 46: 6742–6749.
  • Jamieson-Hanes, J. H., Gibson, B. D., Lindsay, M.B.J., Kim, Y., Ptacek, C. J., Blowes, D.W., 2012. Chromium isotope fractionation during reduction of Cr(VI) under saturated flow conditions. Environ. Sci. Technol., 46: 6783-6789.
  • Neuner, M., Smith, L., Blowes, D.W., Sego, D.C., Smith, L.J.D., Fretz, N., Gupton, M., 2012. Diavik waste rock project: Water flow through mine waste rock in a permafrost terrain. Appl. Geochem., 36: 222-233.
  • Stotler, R.L., Frape, S.K., Ruskeeniemi, T., Pitkänen, P., Blowes, D.W., 2012. The interglacial-glacial cycle and geochemical evolution of Canadian and Fennoscandian Shield groundwaters. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta.76: 45-67.

​​2011

  • Gibson, B.D., Ptacek, C.J., Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., 2011. Examining mechanisms of groundwater Hg(II) treatment by reactive materials: An EXAFS study. Environ. Sci. Technol. 45: 10415-10421.
  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., Condon, P.D., Ptacek, C.J., 2011. Organic carbon amendments for passive in situ treatment of mine drainage: Field experiments. Appl. Geochem. 26: 1169-1183.
  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Condon, P.D., 2011. Transport and attenuation of metal(loid)s in mine tailings amended with organic carbon: Column experiments. J. Contam. Hydrol., 125: 26-38.
  • Amos, R.T., Bekins, B.A., Delin, G.N., Cozzarelli, I.M., Blowes, D.W., Kirshtein, J.D.. 2011. Methane oxidation in a crude oil contaminated aquifer: Delineation of aerobic reactions at the plume fringes. J. Contam. Hydrol., 125: 13-25.
  • Gibson, B.D., Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., 2011. 34S/32S Fractionation during sulfate reduction in groundwater treatment systems: Reactive transport modeling. Environ. Sci. Technol. 45: 2863-2870.
  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Wakeman, K.D., Rowe, O.F., Grail, B.M., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Johnson, D.B., 2011. Microbiology and geochemistry of mine tailings amended with organic carbon for passive treatment of pore water. Geomicrobiol. J., 28: (3) 229-241.

​2010

  • Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., 2010. Versatile direct-push profiler for the investigation of volatile compounds near the water table. Water Resour. Res. 44: W00D17.
  • Stimson, J., Chae, G.-T., Ptacek, C.J., Emelko, M.B., Mesquita, M.M., Hirata, R.A., Blowes, D.W., 2010. Basic oxygen furnace slag as a treatment material for pathogens: Contribution of inactivation and attachment in virus attenuation. Water Res., 44: 1150-1157.
  • Mesquita, M.M.F., Stimson, J., Chae, G.-T., Emelko, M.B., Tufjenki, N., Ptacek C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2010. Optimal preparation and purification of  PRD1-like bacteriophages for use in environmental fate and transport studies. Water Res., 44: 1114-1125.

​2009

  • Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., 2009. Measurement of wind induced pressure gradients in a waste rock pile. Vadose Zone J., 8(4): 953-962.
  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Condon, P.D., Jambor, J.L., Lear, K.G., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2009. Mineralogical, geochemical and microbial investigation of a sulfide-rich tailings deposit characterized by neutral drainage. Appl. Geochem. 24: 2212-2221.
  • Moncur, M.C., Jambor, J.L., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2009. Mine drainage from the oxidation of sulfide minerals and magnetite in mine wastes. Appl. Geochem. 24: 2362-2373.
  • Gui, L., Jeen, S-W., Blowes, D.W., Gillham, R.W., Yang, Y.-Q., 2009. Reply to the comment on “Reduction of chromate by granular iron in the presence of dissolved CaCO3” by C. Noubactep. Appl. Geochem. 24: 2208-2210.
  • Guo, Q.F., Blowes, D.W., 2009. Biogeochemistry of two types of permeable reactive materials, organic carbon and iron-bearing organic carbon: column experiments. J. Contam. Hydrol. 107: 128-139.
  • Ludwig, R.D., Smyth, D.J.A., Blowes, D.W., Spink, L.E., Wilkin, R.T., Jewett, D.G., Weisener, C.J., 2009. Treatment of arsenic, heavy metals, and acidity using a mixed ZVI-compost PRB. Environ. Sci. Technol. 43: 1970-1976.
  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., Condon, P.D., Ptacek, C.J., 2009. Managing pore-water quality in mine tailings by inducing microbial sulfate reduction. Environ. Sci. Technol. 43: 7086-7091.
  • Ardau, C., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2009. Applicability of standard laboratory testing protocol to determine release of weathering products from sulfide bearing mine tailings. J. Explor. Geochem. 100: 182-191.
  • Gui, L., Yang, Y-Q., Jeen, S-W., Gillham, R.W., Blowes, D.W., 2009. Reduction of chromate by granular iron in the presence of dissolved CaCO3. Appl. Geochem. 24: 677-686.

Dr. Carol Ptacek

2020

  • Stonebridge, J., Baldwin, R., Thomson, N.R., Ptacek, C., 2020. Fluoride-selective electrode as a tool to evaluate the degradation of PFAS in groundwater: a bench-scale investigation. Groundwater Monit. Rem., 40(2): 73-80.

  • Wang, A.O., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., Paktunc, D., Mack, E.E. Use of hardwood and sulfurized-hardwood biochars as amendments to floodplain soil from South River, VA, USA: Impacts of drying-rewetting on Hg removal. Sci. Total Environ., 712: 136018.

  • Pakostova, E., Johnson, D.B., Bao, Z., MacKenzie, P.M., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2020. Bacterial and archaeal diversity in sulphide-bearing waste rock at Faro Mine Complex, Yukon Territory, Canada. Geomicrobiol. J., 1-9.

  • Pakostova, E., Schmall, A.J., Holland, S.P., White, H., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2020. Performance of a geosynthetic clay-liner cover system at a Cu/Zn mine tailings impoundment: microbiological characterization. Appl. Environ. Micro., 6(8): 2846.

  • Liu, Y., Ptacek, C.J., Baldwin, R., Cooper, J., Blowes, D.W., 2020. Application of zero-valent iron coupled with biochar for removal of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic and sulfonic acids from water under ambient environmental conditions. Sci. Tot. Environ., 719: 137372.

  • Bao, Z., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J.,Bain, J., Holland, S.P., Wilson, D., Wilson, W., MacKenzie, P., 2020. Faro Waste Rock Project: Characterizing variability saturated flow behaviour through full-scale waste-rock dumps in the continental sub-arctic region of Northern Canada using field measurements and stable isotopes of water. Water Resour. Res. 56(3): e2019WR026374 .

  • McNeill, B.J., Pakostova, E., Bain, J.G., Gould, W.D., Amos, R.T., Wilson, G.W., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2020. Microbial community structure within a weathered waste-rock pile overlain by a monolayer soil cover. Appl. Geochem., 114: 104531.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., Liu, Y.Y., 2020. Characterization of chromium species and distribution during Cr (VI) removal by biochar using confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence redox mapping and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Environ. Int., 134: 105216.

2019

  • Liu, Y., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Groza, L.G., 2019. Removal of pharmaceutical compounds, artificial sweeteners, and perfluoroalkyl substances from water using a passive treatment system containing zero-valent iron and biochar. Sci. Tot. Environ., 691: 165-177.

  • Langman, J.B., Sinclair, S., Amos, R.T., Wilson, D., Ptacek, C.J., Sego, D.C., Smith, L., Blowes, D.W., 2019. Alkalinity generation from weathering of accessory calcite and apatite and acid drainage neutralization in an Archean granitoid waste rock. J. Geochem. Explor., 205: 106341.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2019. Mercury complexation with dissolved organic matter released from thirty-six types of biochar. B. Environ. Contam. Tox., 103(1): 175-180.

  • Hussain, S.I., Frey, S.K., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Wilson, D., Mayer, K.U., Su, D., Gottschall, N., Edwards, M., Lapen, D.R., 2019. Reactive transport of manure-derived nitrogen in the vadose zone: Consideration of macropore connectivity to subsurface receptors. Vadose Zone J., 18(1): 1-18.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., 2019. Mercury distribution and speciation in biochar particles reacted with contaminated sediment up to 1030 days: A synchrotron-based study. Sci. Tot. Environ., 662: 915-922.

  • Lazareva, O., Sparks, D.L., Landis, R., Ptacek, C.J., Ma, J., 2019. Investigation of legacy industrial mercury in floodplain soils: South River, Virginia, USA. Environ. Earth Sci., 78(8): 246

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., Steinepreis, M., Budimir, F., 2019. A method for redox mapping by confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence imaging: Using chromium species in a biochar particle as an example. Anal. Chem., 91(8): 5142-5149.

  • Wang., A.O., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gibson, B.D., Landis, R.D., Dyer, J.A., Ma, J., 2019. Application of hardwood biochar as a reactive capping mat to stabilize mercury derived from contaminated floodplain soil and riverbank sediments. Sci. Tot. Environ., 652: 549-561.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2019. Release of nutrients and trace elements from wood-, agricultural residue-and manure-based biochars. Int. J. Environ. Res., 13(4): 747-758.

2018

  • Shrimpton, H.K., Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2018. Real-time XANES measurement of Se reduction by zerovalent iron in a flow-through cell, and accompanying Se isotope measurements. Environ. Sci. Technol., 52(16): 9304-9310.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gould, W.D., 2018. Control of mercury and methylmercury in contaminated sediments using biochars: A long-term microcosm study. Appl. Geochem., 92: 30-44.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Elena, K.M.A., Blowes, D.W., Gould, W.D., Finfrock, Y.Z., Wang, A.O., Landis, R.C., 2018. Evaluation of mercury stabilization mechanisms by sulfurized biochars determined using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. J. Hazard. Mat., 347:114-122.

  • Wilson, D., Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., Langman, J.B., Ptacek, C.J., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., 2018. Diavik waste rock project: A conceptual model for temperature and sulfide-content dependent geochemical evolution of waste rock – Laboratory scale. Appl. Geochem. 89:160-172.

  • Paulson, K.M.A., Ptacek C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gould, W.D., Ma, J., Landis, R.C., Dyer, J.A., 2018. Role of organic carbon sources and sulfate in controlling net methylmercury production in riverbank sediments of the South River, VA (USA).  Geomicrobiol. J., 35, 1-14.

2017

  • Saurette, E.M., Groza, L.G., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2017. Storage and preservation of artificial sweeteners in groundwater samples. Groundwater Monit. Remed., 37(4): 71-81.

  • Arlos, M.J., Liang, R., Fong, L.C.M.L.C., Zhou, N.Y., Ptacek, C.J., Andrews, S.A., Servos, M.R., 2017. Influence of methanol when used as a water-miscible carrier of pharmaceuticals in TiO2 photocatalytic degradation experiments. J. Environ. Chem. Eng., 5:4497-4504.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., 2017. A beam path-based method for attenuation correction of confocal X-ray micro-fluorescence imaging data. J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 32: 1582-1589.

  • Lima, A.T., Hofmann, A., Reynolds, D., Ptacek, C.J., Van Cappellen, P., Ottosen, L.M., Pamukcu, S., Alshawabekh, A., O'Carroll, D.M., Riis, C., Cox, E., Gent, D.B., Landis, R., Wang, J., Chowdhury, A.I.A., Secord, E.L., Sanchez-Hachair, A., 2017. Environmental electrokinetics for a sustainable subsurface. Chemosphere: 181:122-133

  • Hebig, K.H., Groza, L.G., Sabourin, M.J., Scheytt, T.J., Ptacek, C.J., 2017. Transport behavior of the pharmaceutical compounds carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, and naproxen, and the lifestyle drug caffeine, in saturated laboratory columns. Sci. Total Environ., 590: 708-719.

  • Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Shrimpton, H.K., Veeramani, H., Ptacek, C.J., Lanzirotti, A., Newville, M., Blowes, D.W., 2017. Evaluating zinc isotope fractionation under sulfate reducing conditions using a flow-through cell and in situ XAS analysis. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 203: 1-14.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Finfrock, Y.Z., Gordon, R.A., 2017. Stabilization of mercury in sediment by using biochars under reducing conditions. J. Hazard. Mat., 325:120-128.

2016

  • Moncur, M.C., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Peterson, R.C., 2016. The occurrence and implications of efflorescent sulfate minerals from the former Sherritt-Gordon Zn-Cu mine. Can. Mineral., 53(5): 961-977.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Landis, R.C., 2016. Mechanisms of mercury removal by biochars produced from different feedstocks determined using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. J. Hazard Mater., in press.

2015

  • Shrimpton, H.K., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2015. Fractionation of selenium during selenate reduction by granular zero valent iron. Environ. Sci. Technol., 49(19): 11688-11696.

  • Smith, L.J., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Groza, L.G., Moncur, M.C., 2015. Perchlorate in lake water from an operating diamond mine. Environ. Sci. Technol., 49(13): 7589-7596.

  • Veeramani, H., Eagling, J., Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Kong, L., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2015. Zinc isotope fractionation as an indicator of geochemical attenuation processes. Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett., 2(11): 341-319.

  • Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Amos, R.T., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2015. Dual mechanism conceptual model for Cr isotope fractionation during reduction by zerovalent iron under saturated flow conditions. Environ. Sci. Technol., 49(9): 5467-5475.

  • Desrochers, K.A.N., Paulson, K.M.A., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gould, W.D., 2015. Effect of electron donor to sulfate ratio on mercury methylation in floodplain sediments under saturated flow conditions. Geomicrobiol. J., 32(10): 924-933.

  • Nordstrom, D.K., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2015. Hydrogeochemistry and microbiology of mine drainage: An update. Appl. Geochem., 57: 3-16.

  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Moncur, M.C., Bain, J.G., Jambor, J.K., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2015. Geochemical and mineralogical aspects of sulfide mine tailings. Appl. Geochem., 57: 157-177.

  • Moncur, M.C., Paktunc, D., Birks, S.J., Ptacek, C.J., Welsh, B., Thibault, Y., 2015. Source and distribution of naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater from Alberta’s Southern Oil Sands Region. Appl. Geochem., in press.

  • Gibson, B.D., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Daugherty, S.D., 2015. Sediment resuspension under variable geochemical conditions and implications for contaminant release. J. Soils Sediments, 15(7): 1644-1656.

  • Moncur, M.C., Ptacek, C.J., Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., Jambor, J.L., 2015. Long-term mineralogical and geochemical evolution of sulfide-rich mine tailings under a shallow water cover. Appl. Geochem., 57: 178-193.

  • Liu, P., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Berti, W.R., Landis, R.C., 2015. Aqueous leaching of organic acids and dissolved organic carbon for various biochars prepared at different temperatures. J. Environ. Qual. 44: 684–695.

  • Hussain, S.I., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Wooten, B., Balch, G., Higgins, J., 2015. Mechanisms of phosphorus removal in a pilot-scale constructed wetland/BOF slag wastewater treatment system. Environ. Eng. Sci., 32(4): 341-352.

2014

  • Liu, Y.Y., Blowes, D.W., Groza, L., Sabourin, M.J., Ptacek, C.J., 2014. Acesulfame-K and pharmaceuticals as co-tracers of municipal wastewater in a receiving river. Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts, 16(12): 2789-2795.

  • Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Lentz, A.M., Amos, R.T., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Examination of Cr(VI) treatment mechanisms by in situ, real-time X-ray absorption spectroscopy and Cr isotope measurements. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta., 142: 299-313.

  • Hussain, S.I., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Olding, D. 2014. Phosphorus removal from lake water using basic oxygen furnace slag: System performance and characterization of reaction products. Environ. Eng. Sci., 31(11): 631-642.

  • Linley, S. Liu, Y.Y., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Gu, F.X., 2014. Recyclable graphene oxide supported titanium dioxide photocatalysts with tunable properties. Appl. Materials & Interfaces, 6(7): 4658-4668.

  • Langman, J.B., Moore, M.L., Ptacek, C.J., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Diavik Waste Rock Project: Evolution of mineral weathering, element release, and acid generation and neutralization during a five-year humidity cell experiment. Minerals, 4: 257-278.

  • Liu, Y.-Y., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Treatment of dissolved perchlorate, nitrate, and sulfate using zero-valent iron and organic carbon. J. Environ. Qual., 43(3): 842-850.

  • Moncur, M.C., Ptacek, C.J., Hayashi, M., Birks, S.J., Jambor, J.L., Blowes, D.W., 2014. Seasonal cycling and mass-loading of dissolved metals and sulfate discharging from an abandoned mine site in northern Canada. Appl. Geochem., 40: 176-188.

2013

  • Moncur, M.C., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2013. Pore-water extraction from the unsaturated and saturated zones. Can. J. Earth Sci., 50: 1051-1058.

  • Bailey, B.L., Smith, L.J.D., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Smith, L., Sego, D.C., 2013. The Diavik waste rock project: Persistence of contaminants from blasting agents in waste rock effluent. Appl. Geochem., 36: 256-270. 

  • McDonald, C.M., Gould, W.D., Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Condon, P.D., 2013. Assessing cellulolysis in passive treatment systems for mine drainage: A modified enzyme assay. J. Environ. Qual., 42: 48-55.

2012

  • Gibson, B.D., Blowes, D.W., Lindsay, M.B.J., Ptacek, C.J., 2012. Mechanistic investigations of Se(VI) treatment in anoxic groundwater using granular iron and organic carbon. An EXAFS study. J. Hazard. Mater., 241-242: 92-100.

  • Jamieson-Hanes, J.H., Gibson, B.D., Lindsay, M. B. J., Kim, Y., Ptacek, C. J., Blowes, D.W., 2012. Chromium isotope fractionation during reduction of Cr(VI) under saturated flow conditions. Environ. Sci. Technol., 46: 6783-6789. 

  • Parviainen, A., Lindsay, M.B.J., Pérez-López, R., Gibson, B.D., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K., 2012. Arsenic attenuation in tailings at a former Cu-W-As mine, SW Finland. Appl. Geochem., 27, 2289-2299.

2011

  • Gibson, B.D., Ptacek, C.J., Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., 2011. Examining mechanisms of groundwater Hg(II) treatment by reactive materials: An EXAFS study. Environ. Sci. Technol., 45: 10415-10421.

  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., Condon, P.D., 2011. Transport and attenuation of metal(loid)s in mine tailings amended with organic carbon: Column experiments. J. Contam. Hydrol., 125: 26-38.

  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., Condon, P.D., Ptacek, C.J., 2011. Organic carbon amendments for passive in situ treatment of mine drainage: Field experiments. Appl. Geochem., 26: 1169-1183.

  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Wakeman, K.D., Rowe, O.F., Grail, B.M., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., Johnson, D.B., 2011. Microbiology and geochemistry of mine tailings amended with organic carbon for passive treatment of pore water. Geomicrobiol. J., 28: 229-241.

  • Scheytt, T., Beyer, J., Ptacek, C.J., 2011. Vorkommen von Perchlorat in Oberflächen-, Grund- und Bodenwasser in Deutschland (Occurrence of perchlorate in soil, ground and surface water in Germany). Grundwasser (Springer), 16(1): 37-43.

2010

  • Stimson, J., Chae, G.-T., Ptacek, C.J., Emelko, M.B., Mesquita, M.M., Hirata, R.A., Blowes, D.W., 2010. Basic oxygen furnace slag as a treatment material for pathogens: Contribution of inactivation and attachment in virus attenuation. Water Res., 44: 1150-1157.

  • Mesquita, M.M.F., Stimson, J., Chae, G.-T., Emelko, M.B., Tufjenki, N., Ptacek C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2010. Preparation of large volumes of high titer bacteriophage suspensions for use as pathogenic virus surrogates in environmental experiments. Water Res., 44: 1114-1125.

2009

  • Moncur, M.C., Jambor, J.L., Ptacek, C.J., Blowes, D.W., 2009. Mine drainage from the oxidation of sulfide minerals and magnetite in mine wastes. Appl. Geochem., 24: 2362-2373.

  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Condon, P.D., Jambor, J.L., Lear, K.G., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2009. Mineralogical, geochemical and microbial investigation of a sulfide-rich tailings deposit characterized by neutral drainage. Appl. Geochem., 24: 2212-2221.

  • Lindsay, M.B.J., Blowes, D.W., Condon, P.D., Ptacek, C.J. ,2009. Managing pore-water quality in mine tailings by inducing microbial sulfate reduction. Environ. Sci. Technol., 43: 7086-7091.

  • Oiffer, A.A.L., Barker, J.F., Gervais, F.M., Mayer, K.U., Ptacek, C.J., Rudolph, D.L., 2009. A detailed field-based evaluation of naphthenic acid mobility in groundwater. J. Contam. Hydrol., 108: 89-106.

  • Robertson, W.D., Ptacek, C.J., Brown, S.J., 2009. Rates of nitrate and perchlorate removal in a five year old wood particle reactor. Ground Water Monit. Rem., 29(2): 87-94.

  • Sasaki, K., Blowes, D.W., Ptacek, C.J., 2009. Spectroscopic study of precipitates formed during the removal of selenium from mine drainage using permeable reactive materials. Geochem. J., 42:283-294.

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The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office.

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