[ RadSafe ] Biogeochemistry
Dan McCarn
hotgreenchile at gmail.com
Fri Feb 17 01:01:25 CST 2012
Dear Joe;
The degree would be a Doktor montanistik.
Dan ii
On Thu, Feb 16, 2012 at 11:52 PM, Dan McCarn <hotgreenchile at gmail.com>wrote:
> Dear Joe:
>
> Thank you for asking.
>
> My dissertation is all that separates me from a doctorate at this point. I
> finished all of my course work (4.0 GPA) and tried to push through in 2004
> to complete the work, but life's challenges (a very ill wife and 2
> adolescent kids to raise) slowed the progress. I studied / worked at the
> Leoben Mining University in Austria 4 years as staff / researcher with the
> title "Guest Scientist". The kids are now out of the house (1 married and
> the other at university) and I'm now able to pursue the issue to
> conclusion. Other "interruptions" have been working for mining & oil
> companies that consumed my energy, paid the bills but restricted my efforts
> to complete the work. Moving several times back and forth over the
> Atlantic didn't help much either.
>
> Leoben asked me to complete a dissertation in the form of a "*Habilitation
> *" that would incorporate significant amounts of my prior published
> material into a unified synthesis. This is more normally done as a Dozent
> (post-doc) degree. Since I had already published a significant amount of
> work, the thought was that it would be more straightforward to proceed with
> this style of work. However, me, being the stubborn person that I am,
> simply wanted to get more data to validate the concepts. Studying at a
> foreign university with a project in Colorado makes 'funding' a difficult
> issue.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habilitation
>
> I can afford the gamma survey on my own; analytical costs for soil / water
> sampling is the difficult issue.
>
> Dan ii
>
> On Thu, Feb 16, 2012 at 11:04 PM, <JPreisig at aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Dan,
>>
>> I know you are beyond the point where you need to do something like
>> this, but maybe you could do
>> this part time or for 1-2 semesters full time??? I think biogeochemistry
>> is a fairly hot topic in the
>> geosciences right now. You have an MS/MA already, right???
>>
>> Go to grad school for that PhD in Geosciences. You could pick a good
>> school and PhD
>> advisor, take 18 course credits and spend the rest of your time (30
>> research credits???) finishing
>> the research. You and your advisor could apply for research grants
>> together, and it all might
>> be too easy. You're a pretty smart guy and already well versed in the
>> field of study...
>>
>> Up to you what you do....
>>
>> Regards, Joseph R. (Joe) Preisig
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> In a message dated 2/17/2012 12:01:38 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
>> hotgreenchile at gmail.com writes:
>>
>> Dear Jerry:
>>
>> There are 1/2 billion dollars worth of crops produced in the area - you
>> do
>> the math. Given that the Central Valley in California has a similar
>> hydrogeological / geochemical setting with localized
>> uranium features associated with redox traps, then that's another target
>> for a similar investigation. The San Luis Valley produces a large
>> quantity
>> of potatoes - so it could become, pardon the pun, a 'hot potato' issue.
>> The farmers of the area happen to be pretty handy with firearms, and this
>> could impact their livelihood (taking their view), so their trigger
>> fingers
>> could get 'itchy'. They might be a might bit nervous about anyone doing
>> a
>> study. I have done litigation investigations in some corners of the USA
>> where I was escorted by armed officers during the entire duration of the
>> study.
>>
>> Yes, I think that the results could be highly unpopular, but the
>> realities
>> are that there is likely to be minimal risk. The worst case scenario
>> that I
>> can imagine would be a number of sections of land would be removed from
>> active production. For me it is odd to think that whereas mining is
>> highly
>> regulated and the 'incidental' production and farming use of contaminated
>> waters would be a serious offence, the farming community
>> is virtually insulated legally from identical consequences.
>>
>> I tried to get funding support a number of years ago - around 2004, but
>> could find no one really interested. If you, or others in the RadSafe
>> community know of a source of funding, please tell me and I could
>> increase
>> my pay from -zero- on this project to something I could live on. The
>> analytical budget for the soil / water samples are not insignificant.
>>
>> Dan ii
>>
>> Dan W McCarn, Geologist
>> 108 Sherwood Blvd
>> Los Alamos, NM 87544-3425
>> +1-505-672-2014 (Home – New Mexico)
>> +1-505-670-8123 (Mobile - New Mexico)
>> HotGreenChile at gmail.com (Private email) HotGreenChile at gmail dot com
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 16, 2012 at 5:13 PM, Jerry Cohen <jjc105 at yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>> > Dan,
>> > It seems to me that the study you are considering on the transport of
>> > hazardous minerals could gain some very valuable information. So why
>> > aren't you
>> > getting funding support? Hay isn't very expensive. Do the bureaucrats
>> fear
>> > the
>> > you mightobtain some politically unpopular information?? Good Luck,
>> > Jerry
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > ________________________________
>> > From: Dan McCarn <hotgreenchile at gmail.com>
>> > To: Jerry Cohen <jjcohen at prodigy.net>; The International Radiation
>> > Protection
>> > (Health Physics) Mailing List <radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu>; Malcolm
>> > Siegel
>> > <msiegel51 at yahoo.com>; Malcolm D Siegel <mdsiegel at unm.edu>
>> > Sent: Thu, February 16, 2012 1:51:15 PM
>> > Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Biogeochemistry
>> >
>> > Dear Jerry:
>> >
>> > I worked on the peer review of the YM Site Characterization Report
>> years
>> > ago. I was disappointed that there was not more information
>> > on comparative 'natural' risk including that of pre-existing uranium
>> > features or areas in the flow path of the YM computer models that did
>> not
>> > address published high favorability for surficial uranium deposits
>> > (non-pedogenic calcrete type). In fact, there was no mention of these
>> > features in the Site Characterization report nor geochemical traps
>> that
>> > would interact with the solute flow in the far-field.
>> >
>> > There are potential models of concentration / anthropogene
>> remobilization
>> > (e.g. via high volume irrigation) that were not considered.
>> >
>> > I published on one such model (indirectly) looking at induced
>> anthropogene
>> > remobilization of uranium / radium via high-volume wells in proximity
>> to
>> > from regional redox-controlled roll-fronts in the Alamosa Basin. This
>> paper
>> > can be found in an IAEA proceedings:
>> >
>> > McCarn, Dan W. (2004): Scoping Calculations: Natural and anthropogenic
>> > multi-pathway risks associated with naturally occurring uranium
>> > mineralization in aquifers;
>> > *IAEA-TECDOC-1396<
>> > http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/te_1396_web.pdf>
>> > *, pp.289-315.
>> >
>> > http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/te_1396_web.pdf
>> >
>> > I am currently preparing to obtain additional data from the project
>> area
>> to
>> > support the project and additional risk calculations. I will be doing
>> a
>> > gamma survey (250-500 line kilometres) across the surface expression of
>> the
>> > regional redox front to determine the amount of radium deposited
>> > in agricultural soils. The survey will inform a soil / water sampling
>> > program and perhaps samples of crops. Since the area has been actively
>> > irrigated for over 100 years from groundwater, I feel there is a strong
>> > likelihood of significant build-up of radium and perhaps other redox
>> > sensitive elements (Se, As ,Mo etc.) Whereas radium is not 'redox
>> > sensitive', it is incorporated in both uraninite (UO2) and coffinite
>> > (U(SiO4
>> > )0.9(OH)0.4), the most likely uranium minerals present. Uranium
>> itself
>> > will likely not concentrate in the soil zone because of the highly
>> > oxidizing conditions of desert soils. I have data from an analogy of
>> the
>> > San Luis Valley in Kazakhstan, where I have detailed trenching data in
>> > similar soils. The uranium tends to be easily mobilized vertically
>> whereas
>> > the radium and progeny tends to remain in the upper soil zone.
>> >
>> > Since this work is being funded from my own back pocket, it will
>> probably
>> > go a bit slower than a commercial operation! But I'm starting to test
>> my
>> > data collection systems and will be employing my horse for the gamma
>> > survey. He only charges me hay & oats!
>> >
>> > Dan ii
>> >
>> >
>> > On Thu, Feb 16, 2012 at 1:45 PM, Jerry Cohen <jjc105 at yahoo.com>
>> wrote:
>> >
>> > >
>> > > Dear Dan,
>> > > Several years ago, I proposed a study for the DOE comparing the
>> potential
>> > > risk resulting from the existence, in the state of Nevada, of areas
>> with
>> > > heavy concentrations of naturally occuring Arsenic as compared with
>> the
>> > > potential health effects from the Yucca mountain Waste Repository. I
>> was
>> > > informed that such information would be irrelavent. Apparenty, the
>> > > rejection of YM had nothing to do with it's potential risk. Given
>> this
>> > > situation, I wonder why the government pursued the project, spending
>> > > enormous budgets on health effects studies, despite the sure
>> knowledge
>> > that
>> > > the project would fail--and the idea that naturally occurring mineral
>> > > formations in the state were more dangerous than a nuclear waste
>> > repository
>> > > was more than the DOE could handle.
>> > > Jerry Cohen
>> > >
>> > > ------------------------------
>> > > *From:* Dan McCarn <hotgreenchile at gmail.com>
>> > > *To:* Jerry Cohen <jjcohen at prodigy.net>; The International Radiation
>> > > Protection (Health Physics) Mailing List <
>> radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu>
>> > > *Sent:* Thu, February 16, 2012 12:22:09 PM
>> > > *Subject:* Re: [ RadSafe ] Biogeochemistry
>> > >
>> > > Dear Jerry:
>> > >
>> > > It was part of the "Greening of the USGS" which occurred during the
>> > > Clinton administration. Basically, all geologists who were resource
>> > > analysts, minerals geologists and their ilk were forced-out of the
>> USGS
>> > to
>> > > make way for others.
>> > >
>> > > I am familiar with their work in the 80s, but they all disappeared.
>> > >
>> > > Dan ii
>> > >
>> > > On Thu, Feb 16, 2012 at 1:08 PM, Jerry Cohen <jjc105 at yahoo.com>
>> wrote:
>> > >
>> > >> Dan,
>> > >> Several years ago, as I recall, the USGS, had a group, I believe in
>> > >> Denver, who
>> > >> studied the health effects of naturally occuring toxic materials
>> > (arsenic,
>> > >> mercury, radium, etc.) They did some interesting work and published
>> a
>> > >> monograph
>> > >> on the subject. Somehow this area of study fell out favor and the
>> group
>> > no
>> > >> longer exists. Are you familiar with this work, and do you know what
>> > >> happened?
>> > >> Jerry Cohen
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> ________________________________
>> > >> From: Dan McCarn <hotgreenchile at gmail.com>
>> > >> To: The International Radiation Protection (Health Physics)
>> MailingList
>> > >> <radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu>
>> > >> Sent: Thu, February 16, 2012 3:35:13 AM
>> > >> Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] Theme session on Geohealth at the 2012
>> Rocky
>> > >> Mountain
>> > >> Section GSA meeting.
>> > >>
>> > >> Dear Malcolm:
>> > >>
>> > >> I will be submitting an abstract - I'll have it to you tomorrow.
>> > >>
>> > >> Dan ii
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> On Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 9:27 PM, Dan W McCarn <
>> hotgreenchile at gmail.com
>> > >> >wrote:
>> > >>
>> > >> > ** ** ** ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Dear RADSAFE colleagues:****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Malcolm Siegel of the **School** of **Medicine**, ****University**
>> of
>> > >> **New
>> > >> > Mexico**** has asked me to forward the following meeting
>> announcement
>> > to
>> > >> > RADSAFE: GSA is the Geological Society of America.****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Please respond to Malcolm directly at mdsiegel at unm.edu ****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Dan ii -- Dan W McCarn, Geologist ****
>> > >> > ------------------------------
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Dear Colleagues:****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Please consider submitting an abstract to the following Theme
>> Session
>> > on
>> > >> > Geohealth at the 2012 Rocky Mountain Section GSA meeting.****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > T-5. Arsenic, Uranium and Radionuclides: Geology and Health
>> Impacts
>> in
>> > >> > the Southwest and Rocky Mountains Convener: Malcolm Siegel, School
>> of
>> > >> > Medicine, ****University** of **New Mexico********
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Concentrations of carcinogenic arsenic and radium and nephrotoxic
>> > >> uranium
>> > >> > are naturally high in rocks and waters in many parts of the Navajo
>> > >> Nation
>> > >> > and in the Southwest and **Rocky Mountain States**. Development of
>> > >> > mineral resources and urbanization has led to significant
>> pollution
>> in
>> > >> > several areas. Populations may be exposed to these substances via
>> > >> > inhalation, ingestion and dermal routes. Evaluation of health
>> effects
>> > >> due
>> > >> > to past and potential future exposures has political, social and
>> > >> economic
>> > >> > implications and requires collaboration among earth scientists,
>> civil
>> > >> > engineers and health professionals. This session will bring
>> together
>> > >> > researchers from academic, government and private agencies to
>> examine
>> > >> > various dimensions of topics such as past and proposed uranium
>> mining
>> > >> and
>> > >> > the impact of new drinking water regulations for arsenic and
>> > >> radionuclides
>> > >> > on communities in this area. The meeting will be held May 9-12 in
>> > ****
>> > >> > Albuquerque**, **NM****. The link to the meeting is:****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > http://www.geosociety.org/Sections/rm/2012mtg/****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Abstracts can be submitted until Feb 14, 2012 at: ****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > http://www.geosociety.org/Sections/rm/2012mtg/techProg.htm****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Please note that I have moved from Sandia National Labs to the
>> > >> ****School*
>> > >> > * of **Medicine**** at UNM; my new contact information is below.
>> > Thank
>> > >> > you and Happy New Year. ****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Malcolm ****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Malcolm Siegel, Ph.D., M.P.H. ****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Environmental Geochemistry and Epidemiology ****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > Department of Internal Medicine Division of Epidemiology and
>> > >> Biostatistics
>> > >> > ****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ****University** of **New Mexico**** mdsiegel at unm.edu
>> > >> msiegel51 at yahoo.com
>> > >> > 505-688-3716****
>> > >> >
>> > >> > ** **
>> > >> >
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >>
>> > >> --
>> > >> Dan ii
>> > >>
>> > >> Dan W McCarn, Geologist
>> > >> 108 Sherwood Blvd
>> > >> Los Alamos, NM 87544-3425
>> > >> +1-505-672-2014 (Home – New Mexico)
>> > >> +1-505-670-8123 (Mobile - New Mexico)
>> > >> HotGreenChile at gmail.com (Private email) HotGreenChile at gmail dot
>> com
>> > >> _______________________________________________
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>> > >> the
>> > >> RadSafe rules. These can be found at:
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>> > >> visit:
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>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
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