Crustal Imaging and Characterization Team

Rare earth geochemistry of waste water systems

Task Objectives

The objectives of this task are to determine how the rare earth elements behave during various sewage treatment plant operations and to determine if gadolinium is conservative relative to other aqueous compounds. The primary source of anthropogenic gadolinium is from its use as a contrasting agent in MRIs. Gadolinium is used in the form of an extremely stable organic complex such that it is not taken up by the human body. This study will look at how stable this complex is during sewage treatment plant operation. In addition, samples will be analyzed for a full suite of inorganic constituents to determine if other elements prove to be conservative during routine wastewater treatment plant operation.

Statement of Work

Work will include 1) the continuation of sample collection and 2) compilation of all 2006 and 2007 analytical results. The inorganic chemistry result will be integrated with USGS Water Resources Discipline collaborator’s analyses of emerging contaminants-in particular estrogenic compounds.

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