Metabolic processes are often limited by the bioavailability of trace metals involved in core enzymes systems. In fact, low concentrations of trace metals may limit critical environmental processes at the global scale. Conversely, excess metals may be toxic to organism. We are broadly interested in the fundamental responses of biota to nutrient excess or limitation, and how these responses affect trace metal biogeochemistry.
Current Projects
Siderophore-Mediated Mobilization of Metals
Siderophores and other exudates mobilize metals that may serve as nutrients or contaminants. See a recent poster.
People: Martin Akafia.
Funding: National Science Foundation
Publications
Saal, L.B., and Duckworth, O.W. (2010) Soil Sci. Soc. Am. 74, 2032-2038.
Bi, Y., Hesterberg, D.L., and Duckworth, O.W. (2010) Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 74, 2915-2925.
Duckworth, O.W.,Bargar, J.R., and Sposito, G. (2009) BioMetals, 22, 605-613.
Duckworth, O.W., and Sposito, G. (2007) Chem. Geo., 242, 202-213.
Peņa, J., Duckworth, O.W., Bargar, J.R., and Sposito, G. (2007) Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 71, 5661-5671.
Duckworth, O.W., and Sposito, G. (2005) Environ. Sci. Technol., 39, 6045-6051.
Duckworth, O.W., and Sposito, G. (2005) Environ. Sci. Technol., 39, 6037-6044.
Predicting Mobilization and Bioaccumulation of Trace Elements from Coal Fly Ash
The speciation of metals and the environment of weathering control the bioavailibity of metals in coal fly ash. See a conceptual slide.
People: Navdeep Kaur.
Funding: Oak Ridge Associated Universities and Tennessee Valley Authority