Expert unveils research on abandoned mine land contamination at AGU conference

As the world grapples with the long-term environmental impact of abandoned mining sites, a prominent figure in the field of geochemistry, Godwin Sunday, has emerged with research that sheds light on the complex interactions between sediment composition and trace element contamination.

Sunday, a graduate research assistant at The University of Alabama, recently presented his findings at the 2024 American Geophysical Union (AGU) Conference in Washington, D.C., where his work earned significant recognition.

In a presentation that earned him accolades, he disclosed how his study of an abandoned mine land site in Alabama’s Upper Hurricane Creek Watershed has uncovered critical insights into the distribution and extractability of toxic elements.

His research, which spans over two years, highlights the influence of sediment mineralogy and grain size on contamination levels, providing a scientific basis for effective remediation strategies.

Findings showed that Sunday and his team have been collecting sediment samples quarterly from ten locations within the affected watershed since August 2021.

Using advanced geochemical techniques—including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analysis (PSA) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)—they analyzed the bulk composition, mineral content, and trace element concentrations of the sediments.

The results revealed alarming levels of heavy metals, particularly iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), and nickel (Ni), in areas most impacted by acid mine drainage (AMD).

One of the most striking findings of his research is the strong correlation between sediment grain size and metal retention. Sediments composed predominantly of fine silt-sized particles exhibited a higher capacity to adsorb metals compared to sandier sediments.

This correlation suggests that finer sediments, due to their larger surface areas, play a crucial role in the persistence of metal contamination in abandoned mine sites.

Sunday’s study also identified the presence of iron-bearing minerals such as pyrite, jarosite, and goethite, which serve as sinks for toxic metals.

Statistical analyses confirmed that specific minerals exhibit strong correlations with extractable trace elements, such as pyrolusite with lithium (Li), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb), and kaolinite with iron (Fe) and cadmium (Cd).

These findings offer new perspectives on how different minerals influence the environmental mobility of contaminants.

One particularly concerning aspect of his research is the extractability of these toxic elements. While aluminum exhibited the lowest extractability, iron and manganese demonstrated a staggering 70-90% extractability across all sampling seasons. This means that a significant portion of these metals remains readily available in the environment, posing long-term ecological risks to aquatic ecosystems and water quality.

Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Sunday emphasized that continuous baseline monitoring is essential for mitigating the environmental impact of legacy mining activities. His findings will directly inform remediation efforts scheduled for the fall of 2024, aimed at reducing the mobility of harmful trace elements and improving sediment quality in the affected watershed.

Beyond his research, Sunday has distinguished himself as a leader in the geosciences community. His academic journey, which began at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, saw him graduate as the best student in his department before advancing to a master’s program in geology at The University of Alabama. His extensive field experience, ranging from gold exploration in Nigeria to water quality assessments in the United States, has solidified his reputation as a dedicated scientist committed to environmental sustainability.

His contributions extend beyond academia into service and advocacy. During the AGU Conference, he participated in a congressional visit to discuss pressing water quality issues with Representative Gary Palmer’s office, advocating for policies that prioritize environmental protection. Additionally, he has served as a judge, moderator, and student helper at various scientific conferences, demonstrating his commitment to mentoring the next generation of geoscientists.

Sunday’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious L. Austin Weeks Undergraduate Grant from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the NAPE-UAP/Alex Tarka Grant.

His leadership in geochemistry has also earned him memberships in professional organizations such as the Geochemical Society, National Association of Black Geologists, the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, and the American Water Resources Association.

His work stands as a testament to the vital role that geoscientists play in addressing environmental challenges.

By unraveling the complex geochemical dynamics of abandoned mine lands, Sunday is contributing to the global effort to rehabilitate degraded landscapes and protect water resources for future generations.

As his research moves into its next phase, the scientific community eagerly anticipates the implementation of his findings in real-world remediation projects.