| CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
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| CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
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Jane
M. Matty Initial Appointment : August 1987 Specialties : Geochemistry and Hydrology PhD : Michigan State University Courses: Physical Geology Laboratory, Environmental Geology, Marine Geology, Environmental Geochemistry, Introduction to Environmental Studies |
Research Interests
I am interested in the topics of aqueous and environmental geochemistry. Natural waters display an amazing variety of compositions; the intriguing question is—why? The general focus of my research is on investigating sediment chemistry to evaluate the influence of various geochemical processes on aquatic environments.
During my recent sabbatical leave I examined the geochemistry rare earth elements in stream sediments. Field sites were the Michigamme and Escanaba Rivers in upper Michigan, where previous student research has provided background geochemical information. In those projects, we tried to identify the impact of mining on stream sediments, and examined the relationship between bedrock geology and trace metal geochemistry of sediments. Other research into stream geochemistry has included studies of trace metals in sediments from the Chippewa River near Mt. Pleasant.
I am also interested in the geochemical behavior of heavy metals in the Great Lakes, particularly the influence of early diagenesis. (Early diagenesis is the set of geochemical reactions that occur in sediments just after they are buried. The decay of organic matter, mediated by micro-organisms, is the driving force.) Results indicate that early diagenetic reactions are quite efficiently recycling many metals, maintaining elevated concentrations in the uppermost layers of sediment even though inputs to the lakes are declining. These results were obtained using sediments from deep basins of Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Ontario. In the future I hope to examine early diagenesis in sediments of small lakes on Beaver Island, Michigan. Recent student research into the hydrology of these lake systems suggests they may be interesting sites for further study. Interdisciplinary work with some of CMU's microbiologists is also a possibility.
Another topic of interest is groundwater-surface water interactions. We have recently completed a project investigating whether brines from the Michigan Basin are discharging into Saginaw Bay. This work was collaborative with colleagues at Michigan State University, and was funded by the National Science Foundation. We collected sediment cores and water samples from Saginaw Bay during a week-long cruise aboard the research ship R/V Laurentian. Stable isotope ratios and major & trace element signatures were used to evaluate the presence of basin brines in sediments of the bay. We also estimated brine influx into streams (as part of the base flow). Brine is indeed entering the Saginaw Bay system. Although the environmental impact is small, it appears to influence the chloride balance in the Great Lakes.
Facilities
The Hydrogeochemistry Lab is equipped with a variety of equipment for collecting water, groundwater, sediment, and soil samples, and for making basic field measurements (such as water level, conductivity, temperature, pH). Complete facilities and equipment for storing and processing samples are also available. The "clean laboratory" in the Petrology Lab can be used for ultra-trace level work. Analysis of heavy metals is performed using a VG PQ-1 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) which was obtained with the support of a National Science Foundation Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement grant. Recently upgraded, this instrument can be used to measure element concentrations in solutions at the parts-per-billion level. It is also possible to measure isotopic ratios of certain elements. The ICP-MS can be used for a variety of environmental applications (water and sediment/soil extracts) as well as for basic geochemical and petrologic studies.
The new Michigan Water Research Center may provide additional opportunities for environmental geochemical and interdisciplinary research. This consortium of CMU laboratories houses facilities and equipment for water quality analysis, from measurement of basic parameters to sophisticated biological-limnological analysis and toxic chemical testing. Student participation in the Center includes several possibilities: lab assistants, internships, and research projects.
Recent Student Research Projects
Wetlands assessment at Egg Lake, Beaver Island, Michigan. M. Hein.
Analysis of Fe-Mn oxide coatings on stream gravel. T. Barber (co-advisor w/ D. Matty).
Groundwater flow to the Chippewa River at Bruder Bluff, Mt. Pleasant. B. Persons.
Solute transport in a glacial-fluvial aquifer, Viet's Woods, Mt. Pleasant. T. Stachnik.
Water quality in the Payette Lake watershed, McCall, Idaho. M. McDonald (Keck project).
Heavy metals in sediments of the Chippewa River, Isabella County. G. Mollenhauer.
Rb, Sr, and Ba as geochemical indicators of brine in the Saginaw Bay system. J. Stinson.
Heavy metals in sediment cores from Higgins Lake, Michigan. J. Rockwell.
Sediment geochemistry of the Michigamme River. M. Crook (co-advisor w/ D. Matty).
Evidence for brine seepage in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. M. Struble.
Mercury in sediments of the Chippewa River near Mt. Pleasant, Michigan J. Acord.
Heavy metals in the Escanaba River and its vicinity, Upper Michigan. D. Anderson.
*** 1997-1998 News ***
In the fall of 1997 I was on sabbatical leave, investigating rare earth element geochemistry in sediments from the Escanaba and Michigamme Rivers. What a treat to be a scientist full-time! The REE patterns proved to be very interesting. Although I haven't worked out exactly what's going on yet, it is apparent that both geologic setting and post-depositional geochemical processes leave their imprints on REE patterns. I look forward to spending the rest of the summer working on this project.
During the spring 98 semester, I worked with Matt Hein to try to figure out what's going on at the bog on Egg Lake (Beaver Island). His hydrological and geochemical results indicate this is a complex and dynamic system which acts (at least part of the time) as a recharge zone. Redox processes seem to be a major influence on trace metal chemistry (which means biogeochemical reactions are at work in this bog). He presented this work to U.S. Senators on Capitol Hill (along with Mantez McDonald and Ben Fruchey), as well as in the usual places (CMU, Michigan Academy).
I was also able to assist with Theresa Barber's project for Dave's microprobe class—looking at iron-manganese oxide coatings on stream gravel. She found some interesting things, including surprisingly high concentrations of aluminum., and plans to present this work at GSA in Toronto in the fall. With luck, this will develop into an exciting Senior Thesis project in the next year or so.
Something new for CMU this fall: the Michigan Water Research Center. In collaboration with some of the folks from down below (I mean the Biology Department), we've received a grant from the Michigan Research Excellence Funds to start a research center devoted to aquatic systems. We hope to garner small contracts for local water quality analysis as well as major research funds for multi-disciplinary research. Students will be an essential part of the Center, working as interns, lab assistants, field assistants, and research participants.
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