LeMonte Lab of Environmental Geochemistry

Environmental geochemistry is the study of how naturally occurring and human-introduced chemicals interact with rocks, soils, air, water, and life. Dr. LeMonte executes a research program focused on understanding complex geochemical processes in the environment across time (seconds to decades) and across space (angstroms to hectares). He has particular interest in the interdisciplinary study of extreme environments including the arctic, deserts, and coasts. He conducts studies under different experimental and environmental conditions (climate, Eh, pH, temperature, hydration state, microbial populations) to understand the biogeochemical cycling and fate and transport of chemicals - such as heavy metals, radionuclides, nitroaromatic explosives, and nutrients - in the environment. Dr. LeMonte is experienced in using bright light sources generated at synchrotron facilities (associated with National Laboratories) to determine the forms (species) of metals and nutrients in the environment at the molecular scale. Additionally, he uses remote sensing to identify shifting chemical signatures in soil. The findings of these studies are useful to understand potential threats to human health and to generate best management practices.