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University of Wyoming

Degrees Earned

  • B.S. & M.S. Agriculture Chemistry, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Hyderabad, India (1977, 1980)
  • Ph. D. Environmental Quality, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado (1986)

Academic Positions

1986-1990 Associate Research Scientist, Water Research Center, University of Wyoming
1990-1994 Research Scientist, Water Research Center, University of Wyoming
1994-2000 Senior Research Scientist, Water Research Center, University of Wyoming
2000-2003 Assistant Professor, Dept. Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming
2003-2005 Associate Professor, Dept. Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming
2005-present Professor, Dept. Renewable Resources, University of Wyoming
2005-present Chair, Water Resources Graduate Degree Program, University of Wyoming
2008-present Associate Director for Academics, School of Energy Resources, University of Wyoming

Teaching

I have developed and taught several courses related to land uses (e.g., Energy industry, Ag industry, Livestock industry) and natural resources (e., Water Quality). Some of my undergraduate and graduate courses include: Chemistry of Fossil Fuel Energy Related Solid Wastes; Chemistry and Remediation of Environmental Contaminants; Principles of Water Quality; Watershed Water Quality Management; and Water Resources Issues Seminar.

Research

I have been a Principal or Co-Principal Investigator on several research grants over $11.2 million with funding originating from a variety of government and private entities. In addition, I was part of a successful proposal worth $12.1 million for School of Energy Resources, Office of Academic Affairs, University of Wyoming.

My active research program also helped me to take my research findings to international conferences, workshops, and symposia held in Vienna, Austria; Brisbane, Australia; Adelaide, Australia; Bel Horizonte, Brazil; Vancouver; Canada; Guelph, Canada; Paris, France; New Delhi, India; Hyderabad, India; Pescara, Italy; Mexico City, Mexico; Saratov, Russia; Katmandu, Nepal; Stockholm, Sweden; Uppsala, Sweden; Taipei, Taiwan; Beijing, China.

I have authored (or co-authored) over 282 technical publications and 271 professional presentations. Research publications include: 30 journal articles; 16 book chapters (11 invited); 7 invited featured articles; 1 patent and 3 patent disclosers; 30 refereed conference research articles; 13 refereed research reports; 152 conference and workshop abstracts; and 30 unrefereed reports. Professional presentations include: 66 university presentations (36 invited); 71 state and regional presentations (27 invited); 110 national presentations (14 invited); 26 international presentations (7 invited).

Advising

Some of my students who graduated are currently employed by the State (DEQ), Federal (BLM, NRCS), and Industry (Environmental and Engineering consulting) and some are in Ph.D. programs at different universities. My research program include advising and training of 6 Post-Doctoral students, 8 Ph.D. students, 17 M.S. students, 5 full-time research technicians, and numerous undergraduate students and NSF EPSCoR high school students and teachers. I served as a committee member for 30 M.S. students (24 completed) and 9 Ph.D. students (7 completed). My graduate students have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to research and science.

  • Travis Roth (M.S.) received 2007 Outstanding M.S. Thesis Award from the University of Wyoming.
  • Carol Martinson (M.S. candidate) received the 2007 James Warner American Water Works Association Scholarship.
  • Rich Jackson (Ph.D. candidate) received the 2004 James Warner American Water Works Association Scholarship and Best Graduate Student Paper Award from Graduate School Symposium.
  • Viswatej Attili (M.S.) received 2006 Outstanding M.S. Thesis Award from the University of Wyoming.
  • Ian McBeth (M.S.) received the 2003 Outstanding M.S. Student Award from Gamma Sigma Delta and 2003 Outstanding M.S. Thesis Award from the University of Wyoming.
  • Michelle Patterson (Ph.D. candidate) was recognized for the 3rd Best Paper Award at the 6th International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements hosted by the University of Guelph, Canada, in Summer 2001 and recived 2002 Outstanding M.S. Thesis Award from the University of Wyoming.
  • Marji Patz (M.S.) received the Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the Society for Range Management Student Chapter in Fall 2001.

Current Graduate Students:

Chris Wenzel, Ph.D.
Viswatej Attili, Ph.D.
Rich Jackson, Ph.D.
Michelle Patterson, Co-Chair, Ph.D.
Chris Ellison, Co-Chair, Ph.D.
Cindy Milligan, M.S.
Carol Martinson, M.S.
Jonathan Sowder, Co-Chair, M.S
Cindi Martinez, M.S.
Nick Dornak, M.S.
Madison Ellison, Co-Chair, M.S.

Current Undergraduate Students:

Matthew Allshouse
Andrew Williams
Patrick Miller
Adam Quist
Jessica Johnson
Meghan Reedy
Amanda Wiltfang
Chance Price
Taylor Keller
Christopher Murray
Jennifer Neely
Douglas Fehlman.

Current Research Highlights

Mineral Carbonation: Sequestration and Mineralization of Coal Combustion Flue Gas Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Atmospheric CO2 (g) is essential for life on Earth. However, increasing anthropogenic CO2 levels as a consequence of burning fossil fuels are raising concerns over global warming and climate change. Coal reserves are crucial for providing global energy needs. However, studies suggest that coal combustion to produce power also account for more than 50% of the increase in anthropogenic CO2 levels in the atmosphere. To minimize anthropogenic CO2 emissions, new CO2 capturing technologies which are stable, safe and environmentally acceptable are required.

Natural mineral carbonation process is an interesting concept which involves permanent storage of CO2 in silicate minerals and alkaline hazardous solid wastes as carbonate minerals. However, natural mineral carbonation process is a very slow process. Our research group proposed simple and effective laboratory techniques to accelerate the natural mineral carbonation process of hazardous alkaline solid wastes (Reddy et al., 1986, 15: 129-133, Journal of Environmental Quality and Reddy et al., 1991, 25: 1466-1469, Environmental Science and Technology).

See: Application of Carbon Dioxide in Remediation of Contaminants: A New Approach

We expanded these mineral carbonation studies and reported its beneficial effects to the environment such as minimizing emissions of anthropogenic CO2 to the atmosphere from flue gases and immobilizing toxic pollutants and creating congenial environment for biological and plant growth in alkaline hazardous solid wastes. The hypothesis proposed in these studies was evaluated by the Lulea University of Technology, Sweden. Subsequently several other research institutes and universities in Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Switzerland, and United Kingdom, tested and endorsed accelerated carbonation process for sequestration of CO2. Currently we are in the process of field testing direct mineralization of anthropogenic CO2 process at a coal-fired power plant.

KEY PUBLICATIONS

  • Reddy, K.J., W.L. Lindsay, F.W. Boyle, and E.F. Redente. 1986. Solubility relationships and mineral transforma¬tions associated with recarbonation of retorted oil shales. Journal of Environmental Quality.15:129-133.
  • Reddy, K.J., J.I. Drever, and V.R. Hasfurther. 1991. Effects of a CO2 pressure process on the solubilities of major and trace elements in oil shale solid wastes. Environmental Science and Technology Journal. 25: 1466-1469.
  • Reddy, K.J. 2000. (Invited) Application of carbon dioxide in remediation of contaminants: A new approach. Book Chapter 36. In D.L. Wise, D.J. Trantolo, H.I. Inyang, and E.J. Cichon (eds) Remediation of Hazardous Waste Contaminated Soils, 2nd Edition, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, New York, pp829-838.
  • Reddy, K.J. and M.D. Argyle. 2006. A Novel Method to Sequester Flue Gas Carbon Dioxide. Office Research and Economic Development, University of Wyoming. UW Patent Discloser: PCT/US/2006/49411.
  • Reddy, K.J. and M.D. Argyle. 2007. Apparatus and Method for Sequestering Flue Gas CO2. World Intellectual Property Organization. WO/2007/081561 A2. Geneva, Switzerland. International Publication Date: July 19, 2007.

Arsenic: Geochemistry, Groundwater Quality, and Removal Technology
 
Dissolved arsenic in water is derived from natural and anthropogenic sources. In natural and contaminated waters arsenic is found in two oxidation states, arsenite (III) and arsenate (V). Dissolved arsenic in water is toxic to humans, plants, and animals. Long-term exposure to drinking water containing arsenic in excess of 50 ug/L causes increased risk of skin, lung, bladder, and kidney cancer resulting in death.

Global awareness of arsenic contamination in drinking water skyrocketed during the 1990’s when more than 35 million people in Bangladesh and India were inadvertently poisoned by drinking arsenic rich water. In Southeast Asia alone many people have died due to arsenic poisoning and many more are expected to perish or suffer serious illnesses. This is one of the worst ongoing catastrophes experienced by modern human society. The U.S. EPA proposed a new arsenic limit of 10 ug/L for human drinking water, effective from January 26, 2006. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends 10 ug/L of arsenic as the limit for human drinking water.

Our research group’s applied-oriented research efforts culminated in an elegant and practical filtration method to purge poisonous arsenic from water. This method removes arsenic species from water to less than 10 ug/L. This unique method is rapid, does not require pH adjustments, is not affected by the presence of most other components found in water, and produces no harmful byproducts. These research findings will significantly improve the health of many people worldwide by improving drinking water quality.

Our research on arsenic removal process brought unprecedented popularity to the University from around the world following featured articles in local, regional, national, and international news and print media. This project was selected for the University Science and Education Exhibition on Capital Hill through a national competition. This exhibition was held in Washington D.C. in February 2006. Currently my students are expanding arsenic removal process and developing nanoparticle technology to improve arsenic filtration method.

http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/rpc/UWTechs/
VariousArseniteandArsenateTechs.asp.

KEY PUBLICATIONS

  • Reddy, K.J. 2003. System and Method for Removing Arsenite and Arsenate from Water. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number: 60/504,329. The University of Wyoming Technology ID: 04-003.
  • Reddy, K.J. 2004. Method for Removing Arsenic from Water. US Patent NO: 7,235,179.
  • Reddy, K.J. 2005. System and Method for Removing Arsenite and Arsenate from Water. World Intellectual Property Organization. WO/2005/028376. Geneva, Switzerland. International Publication Date: March 31, 2005.
  • Reddy, K.J., and Viswatej, A. 2005. A novel method to remove arsenate and arsenite from water. In Proceedings of 8th International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, Symposium on Arsenic in the Environment: Biology and Chemistry, April 3-7, 2005, Adelaide, Australia.
  • Reddy, K.J., and A. Viswatej. 2005. How to remove arsenic from water. In: Proceedings of 2005 ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual International Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • Roth, T.R., and K.J. Reddy. 2007. Arsenic in the environment and its remediation by a novel filtration method. Book Chapter (x) In Bundschuh et al., (ed.) Natural Arsenic in Groundwaters of Latin America, As-2006 International Conference, Mexico City, Mexico. (in press)
  • Reddy, K.J., Viswatej, and T.R. Roth. 2007. Study of tenorite (CuO) particles in removal of arsenic under natural water conditions. In Zhu et al., (ed.) Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements: Environmental Protection, Remediation, and Human Health, Tsinghua University Press, Beijing, China.

CBNG (CBM) Produced Water: Biogeochemistry, Water Quality, and Beneficial Uses

Coalbed methane natural gas (CBNG) or CBM extraction from coal deposits of Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico is occurring rapidly to meet Nation’s energy demand. It is estimated that Wyoming coal deposits contain approximately 31.7 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable natural gas. In Wyoming, the Powder River Basin (PRB) contains the majority of natural gas and it is in the forefront of development in North America.

Extraction of methane from confined coal seam aquifer is facilitated by pumping large volumes of groundwater. It is estimated that approximately 2 trillion liters of groundwater will be pumped from CBNG extraction over a period of 15-20 years. The pumped groundwater is called product water or produced water and it is discharged into disposal ponds, stream channels, and reinjected into an aquifer. However, chemistry of produced water (salinity, sodicity, and trace elements) varies with aquifer geology and watershed physical and chemical properties. Our research group’s applied-oriented research efforts on CBNG include management of produced in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, which is one of the most emerging and contentious water resources issues in the United States.

Our research findings are helping landowners, industry, regulatory agencies (e.g., EPA and DEQ Water Quality Division), Wyoming Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey, and bordering states (e.g., Montana, Colorado) make informed decisions regarding water chemistry, salinity, sodium adsorption ratio, and trace element impacts on soils, plants, channel sediment, aquatic life, livestock, and wildlife. Our research findings are also helping clientele develop optimum or beneficial uses for coalbed methane produced water (e.g., irrigation, livestock and wildlife watering, and aquaculture) in the PRB. Currently, we are in the process of developing best options (e.g., irrigation, livestock and wildlife water, and aquatic water) for the use of CBNG produced water across the PRB.

KEY PUBLICATIONS

  • McBeth, I.H., K.J. Reddy, and Q.D. Skinner. 2001. Quality of coalbed methane product water: Arsenic, boron, fluoride, and selenium. In Proceedings of American Water Resources Association Conference, J.J. Warwick (ed) Water Quality Monitoring and Modeling, Middleburg, Virginia, TPS-01, pp259-264.
  • McBeth, I.H., K.J. Reddy, and Q.D. Skinner. 2003. Water chemistry of coalbed methane product water in three Wyoming watersheds. Journal of American Water Resources Association. 39:575-585.
  • Reddy, K.J., and Q.D. Skinner. 2003. Natural attenuation of Ba, Cr, Mn, and Zn in coalbed methane product water disposal ponds. Special Symposium “Natural Remediation-Bioavailability Interactions in Contaminated Ecosystems: Concepts and Applications”. In Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, Uppsala, Sweden.
  • McBeth, I.H., K.J. Reddy, and Q.D. Skinner. 2003. Chemistry of trace elements in coalbed methane product water. Water Research Journal. 37:884-890.
  • Patz, M.J., K.J. Reddy, and Q.D. Skinner. 2003. Coalbed methane product water interactions with stream channel sediment in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. In Proceedings of 9th Land Reclamation Symposium, Billings, Montana.
  • Patz, M.J., K.J. Reddy, and Q.D. Skinner. 2004. Chemistry of coalbed methane discharge water interacting with semi-arid ephemeral stream channels. Journal of American Water Resources Association. 40:1247-1255.
  • Reddy, K.J., M.J. Patz, and Q.D. Skinner. 2005. Natural attenuation of trace elements in ephemeral stream channels associated with coalbed methane produced water. In Proceedings of 8th International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, Adelaide, Australia.
  • Reddy, K.J. 2005. (co-author with Melinda Benson, Harold Bergman, Ann Boelter, Roger Coupal, Dianna Hulme, Nicole Korfanta, Scott Lieske, Jill Lovato, Scott Miller, Larry Munn, and James Oakleaf). Water Production from Coalbed Methane Development in Wyoming: A Summary of Quantity, Quality and Management Options. The Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources Publication, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming. 60pp.
  • Reddy, K.J., Q.D. Skinner, and B.H. Hulin. 2006. (Invited) Geochemical processes governing trace elements in coalbed methane natural gas produced water, pp125-146. Book Chapter 8. In: M.N.V. Prasad et al., (ed.) Trace Elements in the Environment: Biogeochemistry, Biotechnology, and Bioremediation, Taylor and Francis, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.
  • Patz, M.J., K.J. Reddy, and Q.D. Skinner. 2006 Trace elements in coalbed methane discharge water interacting with semi-arid ephemeral stream channels. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution Journal. 170:55-67.
  • Jackson, R.E., and K.J. Reddy. 2007. Geochemistry of CBNG produced water in Powder River Basin: Salinity and Sodicity. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution. DOI:10.1007/s11270-007-9398-9, May 3rd, 2007. http://www.springerlink.com/content/e11m0777845n7226/?
    p=6366ffa286f34e5fa2cf766096aa60a3&pi=4
  • Jackson, R.E., and K.J. Reddy. 2007. Trace element chemistry of coalbed natural gas produced water in the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. Environmental Science and Technology. DOI: 10.1021/es062504o. 20 July, 2007.

Non Point Source Pollution: BMPs to Protect Groundwater Quality from Nitrate Pollution

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for all living matter. In natural waters nitrogen exists in different oxidation states such as NO3- (+5), NO2- (+3), and ammonium (NH4+) (-3). Among these, nitrate and nitrite are more concern to human health because they are toxic. Among several nitrogen species, nitrate is most stable and commonly found in surface and groundwater associated with intensive agricultural areas. Nitrate can enter surface and groundwater from a variety of natural and anthropogenic sources. Natural sources include soil nitrogen through biological fixation, nitrogen rich geological deposits, and atmospheric deposition. Anthropogenic activities that contribute nitrate to the surface water system include fertilizer application and application of irrigation.

Application of synthetic fertilizers is necessary to produce food and fiber for the growing population. However, the presence of nitrate, in waters tested in several states, has raised concern over their possible contamination of drinking water supplies. Our research efforts to protect groundwater quality from non-point source pollution resulted in development of citizen’s network of working partners. This successful network project on non-point source pollution and groundwater quality was show-cased by the USDA-CSREES at the 2000 Ag Earth Partnership National Mall Event in Washington, D.C. Now we are in the process of evaluating effects of various BMPs in protecting groundwater quality in Goshen County.

KEY PUBLICATIONS

  • Reddy, K.J., Z. Zhang, S.P. Gloss, and P.T. Gadlin. 1995. Catalytic reduction of nitrate in groundwater: A preliminary evaluation, pp107-110. In L.W. Mays (ed) Proceedings of Environmental Restoration Symposium, University Council on Water Resources, Big Sky, Montana.
  • Reddy, K.J. 1999. Management of ground water quality from non-point source pollution. In Conference Proceedings of American Water Resources Association Conference, P. Sturtevant and R. Sakrison (eds), Watershed Management to Protect Declining Species,, Middleburg, Virginia, pp537-539.
  • Reddy, K.J., and J.P. Lin. 2000. Nitrate removal from groundwater using catalytic reduction process. Water Research Journal. 34:995-1001.
  • Peel, J.W., K.J. Reddy, B.P. Sullivan, and J.M. Bowen. 2001. Nitrate reduction in ground water by electrocatalysis. In Proceedings of 222nd American Chemical Society Conference, Chicago, Illinois, pp6.
  • Savell, S., and K.J. Reddy. 2002. Water quality monitoring criteria to develop Total Maximum Daily Load process: Nitrate. In Proceedings of Watershed Management to Meet Emerging Total Maximum Daily Load Regulations, American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, pp7.
  • Peel, J.W., K.J. Reddy, B.P. Sullivan, and J. Bowen. 2003. Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate in water, Research Note. Water Research Journal. 37:2512-2519.
  • Dornak, D.N., C. Wenzel, and K.J. Reddy. 2004. Evaluation of Best Management Practices for Protecting Groundwater Quality. In Proceedings of American Water Resources Association's 2004 Annual Conference, Orlando, Florida.
  • Dornak, D.N., C. Wenzel, and K.J. Reddy. 2004. Network concepts to implement best management practices for protecting groundwater quality. In Proceedings of Range Management Annual Meetings, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Professional Awards, Honors, and Memberships

  • Bharat Gaurav Award and Certificate of Excellence for outstanding contributions to global science and technology, 2008, Indian International Friendship Society, New Delhi, India.
  • Outstanding Master’s Thesis Advising Award, 2007, University of Wyoming.
  • Outstanding Educator-Of-The-Year Award, 2006, University of Wyoming.
  • Outstanding Master’s Thesis Advising Award, 2006, University of Wyoming.
  • Outstanding Master’s Thesis Advising Award, 2004, University of Wyoming.
  • Lawrence Meeboer Outstanding Teaching Award, 2003, University of Wyoming.
  • Certificate of Excellence for Outstanding Teaching and Advising, 2003, University of Wyoming.
  • Toot Your Horn Award for Outstanding Teaching, Advising, and Research, 2003, University of Wyoming.
  • Outstanding Master’s Thesis Advising Award, 2003, University of Wyoming.
  • Outstanding “Advisor-Of-The-Year” Award, 2001, University of Wyoming.
  • Excellence in Academic Advising Award, Center for Academic Advising, 2000, University of Wyoming.
  • Small Business Innovation Research Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to technology development in Wyoming, 1999, Wyoming Science Technology and Energy.
  • Invited Reviewer for more than 30 national and international journals.
  • Invited Reviewer for more than 20 national and international funding agencies.
  • Chairman, University of Wyoming Water Resources Graduate Degree Program. 2003- present.
  • Academic Council Member, School of Energy Resources, University of Wyoming, 2006-present.
  • Technical Review Committee Member of International Committee of Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, 1996-2000.
  • Governor’s TMDL Committee Member, Wyoming, 1999-2005.
    * Environmental Council SAR Committee Member, Wyoming, 2001.
  • International Water Association Member, 1999-present.
  • American Water Resources Association Member, 2000-present.
  • Soil Science Society of America Member, 1985-present
  • Range Management Society Member, 1999-present.
     

    This site is maintained by Randy L. Anderson.