CHEE Seminar: Jose M. Cerrato
Monday, April 3, 2023 – 3:00 p.m.
José M. Cerrato
Associate Professor and Regents’ Lecturer and Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies
Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering
University of New Mexico
"Reactivity of U(Vi) and as(V) Mixtures: Relevance for Risk Assessment and Remediation of Mine Wastes"
Harvill Bldg., Room 302
Social Hour immediately following seminar in Old Engineering 157 (Graduate Student Lounge), at 4:00 p.m.
ABSTRACT
The reactions of oxidized uranium [U(VI)] and arsenic [As(V)] mixtures in mine waste sites exposed to ambient surface conditions was investigated in field solids and laboratory-controlled experiments. Metal release from these mine wastes could pose potential health risks for neighboring communities. The dissolution of mineral phases in mine wastes affects the release of metals such as U, As, and vanadium (V) in adjacent waters. Thermodynamic information for uranyl arsenate solids was determined to interpret and predict the release of soluble U and As using reactive transport models. Remediation approaches using naturally occurring calcium (Ca)-bearing minerals are currently being researched for the immobilization of U and As metal mixtures in waters. These results are relevant for U and As transport and remediation in well buffered waters and those affected by acid mine drainage in the proximity of mineralized deposits.
BIOSKETCH
José M. Cerrato is associate professor and Regents’ lecturer, and associate chair for undergraduate studies in the Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering at the University of New Mexico. He obtained a B.S. in civil engineering from the National Autonomous University of Honduras, and M.S. and Ph.D. in environmental engineering from Virginia Tech. He was also a postdoctoral researcher in Washington University in St Louis. He serves as associate director of the UNM Center for Water and the Environment, and Deputy Director of the UNM METALS Superfund Research Center. His research interest is related to biogeochemical processes occurring at molecular and macro scales at the interface of water and energy. He has been a recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, and Fulbright U.S. Scholar Senior Research Award to Spain.