Acid Mine Drainage Journal Club
Coordinated by Klaus Nüsslein, Richard Yuretich and Sarina Ergas

University of Massachusetts Department’s of Microbiology, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Geosciences

Spring 2005, 1 credit
Schedule: Wed 4:00 – 4:50 in Marston 233, Dept. Civil and Environmental Engineering
Material: based on handouts from prior meeting

Instructors and Contact Information:

Klaus Nüsslein
Microbiology N203 Morrill IV North, Ph: 545-1356 Office hours: MF 12:00-1:00

Sarina J. Ergas
Civil & Environmental Engr., 18 Marston Hall, Ph: 545-3424, Office Hours- MWThF: 11:00-12:00

Richard Yuretich
Geosciences, Morrill, Ph: 545-0538, Office hours: MF 1:30 –2:30

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will cover a series of critical reviews and discussions of the current literature dealing with the BIOGEOCHEMISTRY OF ACID MINE DRAINAGE (AMD). Microbes are unique in that they both influence and are influenced by their environment, giving them the ability to affect life at a global scale. We will study AMD as a model for microbial, geochemical and hydrological questions in a truly interdisciplinary fashion. We will start with the reading of a manuscript about our Davis Mine study that was submitted recently to Journal of Geochemical Exploration. Subsequent weeks will be devoted to examining novel research articles related to AMD for each area, microbiology, geochemistry, hydrology, engineering, and science education.

GOALS FOR THIS COURSE

· To establish a broad familiarity with the methods for investigating AMD.
· To establish an understanding of the current literature and the basics of the biogeochemistry of AMD.
· To explore biogeochemical processes related to AMD production, attenuation and remediation.
· To apply principles from other studies to the solution of problems at Davis Mine.

GRADING AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Each student or team, in consultation with one of the professors, will select a journal article for discussion. The student will arrange for copies to be distributed AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE the paper is presented. At the seminar, the presenter will hand out a one page summary concerning a) the hypothesis or objectives of the research, b) background material required to understand the subject, c) methodology, d) major findings of the paper, and e) conclusions and critical assessment of the paper. Students will be responsible for leading an interactive discussion of the paper in class. Varied and creative teaching methods are encouraged.

All students are expected to read the paper in advance of the class and be prepared to participate in the discussion. Grading.

Presentation of journal article 50%
Participation in discussions 50%

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

Attendance at all scheduled lectures and exams is expected except in cases of emergency. Poor attendance will negatively affect your grade.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

1. Knowledge of the chemistry and microbiology of AMD production and attenuation.
2. Application of the techniques, skills, and tools used to study AMD.
3. Evaluation of the impact of AMD on public health and the environment.
4. Familiarization with scientific journals and professional associations relevant to the study of AMD.
5. Improvement of communication skills including writing and oral presentations.
6. Participation in an interdisciplinary academic environment which includes generating and disseminating knowledge.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Academic dishonesty (cheating) is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. The University Academic Honesty Policy applies. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures.

SCHEDULE

Jan 26 Organizational Meeting and Introduction to AMD
Feb 2 Discussion of Davis Mine manuscript (submitted 2004)
Feb 9 Student led discussions Group A – Site Remediation Project Meeting after Journal Seminar
Feb 16 Student led discussions Group I – Geochemistry
Feb 23 No Meeting – Monday Schedule
Mar 2 Student led discussions Group D – Microbiology
Mar 9 Student led discussions Group C – Hydrology
Mar 16 No Meeting – Spring Break
Mar 23 Student led discussions Group A – Education
Mar 30 Student led discussions Group I – Biogeochemistry
Apr 6 Student led discussions Group D – Hydrology
Apr 13 Student led discussions TBA
Apr 20 Presentation by Outside speaker: Dr. Jon Lloyd, Univ. of Manchester, UK
Apr 27 Student led discussions Group C – Microbiology
May 4 Student led discussions Field Trip to Davis Mine
May 11 Student led discussions Summary and Evaluations

A: Sarina, Lise, Tom
C: Allan, Ron, Caryl, Ning
I: Richard, Denise, Jaime
D: Klaus, Juliet, Erika, Jessica

AMD Participant List

Allan Feldman Faculty, Education afeldman@educ.umass.edu
Ashmita Sengupta Student, CEE ashmita@acad.umass.edu
Caryl Ann Becerra Student, Microbiology cbecerra@microbio.umass.edu
Christina Stauber Student, CEE cstauber@student.umass.edu
David Ahlfeld Faculty, CEE ahlfeld@ecs.umass.edu
Denise Fiedler Teacher Scholar 2fiedler@charter.net
Erika Lopez-Luna Student, CEE lopezlun@acad.umass.edu
Jaime Harrison Student, CEE jaimeh@student.umass.edu
Jessica Bloom Student, Geosciences jbloom@geo.umass.edu
Jon Lloyd Faculty, Bio-Geo UK jrlloyd@fs1.ge.man.ac.uk
Juliet Lewis Teacher Scholar julietlewis@verizon.net
Klaus Nüsslein Faculty, Microbiology nusslein@marlin.micro.umass.edu
Lise LeTellier Teacher Scholar lletellier@comcast.net
Max Arefyev Student CEE (webmaster) marefyev@student.umass.edu
Ning Jiang Student, Education ianjiang2002@yahoo.com
Richard Yuretich Faculty Geosciences yuretich@geo.umass.edu
Ron Garney Teacher Scholar garneyr@arps.org
Tom Davidson Student, Education teamcavetoad@yahoo.com