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Faculty
and Student Teams Program
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Project Descriptions
Pacific
Northwest National Laboratory
Advanced Processing and Applications Group
Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members
at institutions serving students in science, engineering, mathematics,
and technology.
Project Description
Many industrial processes create wastes containing toxic metals such
as cadmium, lead, and arsenic, often mixed with high concentrations of
salt. These processes include semiconductor manufacturing, mining/mineral
processing, agricultural desalination, glass manufacturing, pulp and
paper mills, water and wastewater treatment, among others. Also, Department
of Energy (DOE) sites around the nation have stockpiled almost 200 million
kilograms of chloride, sulfate, and nitrate salts in various forms, contaminated
with low-level radioactive elements and toxic metals. The volume of waste
streams containing arsenic and other toxic metals is expected to grow
rapidly in response to a stricter regulatory environment; and this same
regulatory pressure will make disposal of the wastes increasingly problematic.
For instance, in response to stricter arsenic in drinking water regulations
promulgated in 2001, water utilities are expected to remove about 40,000
lb. of arsenic each year, which must be disposed in an environmentally
safe manner. These wastes must be stabilized prior to final disposal
because the contaminating toxic metals must be prevented from uncontrolled
release into the environment from landfills or long-term storage facilities.
This project will develop an all aqueous-based processing route to stabilize
and produce durable waste forms to encapsulate toxic metals and salt.
The waste form materials developed would have the advantage of being
formed from precursors, which have little or no flammability hazard associated
with them, and could be cured at temperatures of less than 100°C.
Applicants Responsibilities and Relationship to Project
Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty
Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the
project research team at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
for 10 weeks during the summer starting in May/June of 2006. Summer visits
to PNNL will be scheduled by mutual agreement between the Advanced Processing
and Applications Group and the successful applicant. Faculty will be
expected to identify students from their campus to participate on the
FaST team. Faculty will provide mentorship and/or advising support to
students during the summer research activities. It is expected that the
Faculty member will become an integral part of the research team working
on this project and will support the advancement of the project through
the academic year on her or his campus.
Qualifications of Ideal Candidate
| Faculty: |
PhD Degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or Environmental
Engineering. Currently teaching Materials Science, Chemical Engineering,
or Environmental Engineering. |
| Student: |
Working towards an Undergraduate degree in Materials Science, Chemical
Engineering, Environmental Engineering. Works well in collaboration
with faculty, other students, and researchers. Willing to work at
PNNL for ten weeks in Summer 2006. |
Support and Financial Commitments
See Financial Information.
For More Information contact:
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