UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Grant: $333,888 - National Science Foundation - Jun. 25, 2009
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Award Description: 'This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).' Although natural radioisotopes, such as Th(IV), Pa(IV, V), Po(IV, II, -II), and Be(II), are important proxies that have long been used in oceanographic investigations, the molecular interactions and binding relationships between radionuclides and marine organic matter remain unclear. Through years of research, it has become evident that metal ions in the ocean are mostly controlled by biopolymers and other organic molecules excreted by marine micro-organisms, and that biopolymers play a significant role in the biogeochemical cycles of the natural radionuclides that are used as oceanographic tracers. To identify and characterize the relationships between these biopolymeric carrier compounds and the radionuclides used in tracer research, scientists from Texas A&M University and the University of Southern Mississippi will conduct a comparative study on radioisotopes of thorium (Th), protactinium (Pa), polonium (Po), lead (Pb), and beryllium (Be). This laboratory and field experiment will identify the radioisotope carriers that are effective marine binding ligands and clarify the basics of oceanographic chemical tracer applications of various natural radioisotopes. Broader Impacts: The results from this research will enhance our fundamental understanding of the biogeochemical controls on natural radionuclide and carbon cycling, in the oceans. This research will also refine the interpretation of data collected in the GEOTRACES program. The project also involves the training of students and international collaborations.
Project Description: The project start date was September 01, 2009. During the first quarter of this project the overall purpose was to initiate ordering, hiring, and coordinating between PIs and participants in this project. We have begun the process of ordering related radioisotopes, chemicals,and equipment, identifying graduate students, and hiring a part-time postdoctoral research associate to work on this project. At the same time, we worked on available data combined with literature review for possible meeting presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Jobs Summary: N/A (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Not Started
This award's data was last updated on Jun. 25, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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