Summer 2017 Project Descriptions
New Mexico State University
Effect of Chemical and Microbial Treatment of Zeolites on their Ability to Bind Metalloid Contaminants
Description: Migration of trace metals and metalloids from contaminated sites, including mining sites, is a major
environmental concern. These potential contaminants may include metal cations as well as oxyanions, among
which the most problematic include oxyanions of arsenic and selenium, which are known to have adverse health
effects on humans as well as adversely impact aquatic environments. Zeolites, relatively common minerals with a
porous cage-structure, can easily bind metal cations, but have very limited affinity for oxyanions, such as arsenic
and selenium. The research proposes using microorganisms to enhance the performance of iron-coated zeolites as
permeable reactive barriers for the remediation of sites contaminated with anions such as arsenic and selenium. In
this phase of the project, we will examine the effect of microbial activity and modification of the zeolite surface,
either through coating with iron or cation exchange reactions, on their ability to modify the sorption behavior of
toxic anions, such as arsenic and selenium. This study will enhance our ability to remediate metal-contaminated
sites and to predict the fate and transport of potentially toxic anions in the environment.
Suggested Applicant Background/Interests: environmental engineering, environmental chemistry,
environmental microbiology, geoenvironmental engineering
Principal Investigator: Dr. Charalambos (Lambis) Papelis
Student Mentor: Neda Halalsheh
Hydrostatic Skeletons and Soft Body Robotics
Description: Soft bodies and hydrostatic skeletons are evolutionary adaptations employed by organisms to interact
with their environments. In the specific case of lumbricus terrestris, the combination of a soft body and a hydrostatic
skeleton provides the earthworm with a powerful mechanism for burrowing into sediment, retracting, and changing
direction. However, the concept of soft probes is foreign to most geotechnical engineers. We have evolved to use
tools in the complete opposite side of the stiffness spectrum. Therefore, our goal is to explore advances made in the
area of soft body robotics in search for materials and methods that can be adapted to the development of soft
geoprobes.
Research Approach: The student will research materials inspired by muscle fibers where electrical inputs drive
fibers to contract or extend, and explore ways in which such materials can interact via a hydrostatic skeleton. Early
work will be devoted to the identification and acquisition of suitable materials and to the development of peripheral
electronics (Arduino-based) needed to communicate commands. In a second phase, the student will put together a
basic test setup (may not necessarily include a hydrostatic skeleton for reaction) to measure basic parameters such
as strength, deformation range, and energy consumption.
Suggested Applicant Background/Interests: biology, mechanics, physics, engineering
Principal Investigators: Dr. Douglas D. Cortes
Student Mentor: Sheldon John