SwRI: Geochemistry Services include field investigations, laboratory studies, and modeling

image of photomicrograph

SwRI reactive transport studies of the Pena Blanca Natural Analog Site (Mexico) include field and laboratory investigations at a wide range of scales as well as computer modeling of the alteration of uraninite (gray/black colors) to uranyl oxyhydroxides and uranyl silicates (yellows) as oxidizing fluids advance (from left to right in this photomicrograph; ~7 micron field of view).


 

image of graph characterizing the hydrogeology, geochemistry and structural geology of important portions of the Edwards Aquifer in Texas
 

SwRI characterizes the geochemistry, hydrogeology, and structural geology of the Edwards Aquifer in Texas to enable governing authorities to more effectively manage critical water resources.

Geochemistry services at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) include field investigations, laboratory studies, and modeling of:

  • Geochemical solubilities

  • Complexation

  • Colloid formation, transport, and filtering

  • Reactive transport

  • Sorption

  • Co-precipitation

  • Ion exchange

  • Thermodynamic interactions

  • Kinetic interactions

  • Mass transfer interactions

Extensive experience in investigating and evaluating environmental mobility of a wide range of contaminants is applied successfully to diverse projects, including:

  • Nuclear waste disposal

  • In-situ copper extraction

  • Uranium mining and leaching of mill tailings

  • Risk assessment

  • Decommissioning of industrial facilities

  • Groundwater desalination

Multidisciplinary teams are formed to implement National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, such as preparing environmental assessments and environmental impact statements.

 

For more information about geochemistry services at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Dr. English C. Pearcy at epearcy@swri.org or (210)

522-5540.



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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®) is an independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions using multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving. The Institute occupies more than 1,200 acres and provides nearly two million square feet of laboratories, test facilities, workshops, and offices for more than 3,300 employees who perform contract work for industry and government clients.