Professional Presentations: University of Presentations = 67 (Invited 36); State and Regional Presentations = 73 (Invited 29); National Presentations = 111 (Invited 15); International Presentations = 28 (Invited 8).

Accelerated 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).

We expanded these mineral carbonation studies and reported its ecological significance to the environment. For example, reducing emissions of flue gas CO₂ to the atmosphere, neutralization of toxic pollutants, and creating a favorable environment for microorganisms and plants in alkaline by-products.

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

The hypothesis proposed in above studies was evaluated by the Lulea University of Technology, Sweden.  Subsequently several researchers from universities and research institutes across Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and United Kingdom, tested and endorsed accelerated mineral carbonation process for sequestration of CO₂. Currently we are in the process of field testing accelerated mineral carbonation of flue gas CO₂ 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 transforma­tions 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.
  
• Reddy, K.J., M.D. Argyle, and A. Viswatej. 2008. Capture and mineralization of flue gas carbon dioxide. In R. Baciocchi, G. Costa, A. Polettini, and R. Pomi (eds), conference proceedings of 2^nd International Conference on Accelerated Carbonation for Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Rome, Rome, Italy, pp221-228.

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. 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.
• Reddy, K.J.  2007.  Method for Removing Arsenic from WaterUS Patent NO: 7,235,179
• 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

• Reddy, K.J., and L.M Tronstad. Coalbed Methane: Energy and Environment, BOOK, Nova Science Publishers, Inc., Tentative Date of Publication, June 2009
• 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

• John Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award, 2008, University of Wyoming
• 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.

Professional Memberships and Service

• 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.
• Invited Reviewer for more than 30 national and international journals (e.g., Environmental Science and Technology, Journal of Environmental Engineering, Journal of Chemical Engineering, Water Research, Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, Journal of Desalinization, and Analytica Chimica Acta).
• Invited Reviewer for more than 20 national and international funding agencies tyle="mso-bidi-font-style:normal" (e.g., NSF Hydro-Geochemistry Program, NSF Polar Program, NSF Faculty Career Development Program, USDA, USDA-SBIR, and International Science Foundation).
• Steering Committee Member, Council for Energy Research and Education Leaders, National Council for Science and Environment, Washington, DC, 2008-present.
• Chairman, "Pilot Plant Applications", 2nd International Conference on Accelerated Carbonation for Environmental and Materials Engineering, Rome, Italy, 2008.
• Technical Review Committee Member, International Committee of Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, 1996-2000.
• Chairman, University of Wyoming Water Resources Graduate Degree Program. 2005-present.
• Member, Wyoming Natural Resources Education Advisory Board, University of Wyoming, 2008-present.
• Executive Committee Member, UW High Plains Gasification Advance Technology Center (UW HPG-ATC), University of Wyoming, 2008-present.
• Search Committee Member, Director of School of Energy Resources, University of Wyoming, 2006-07.
• Search Committee Member, Dean of Law College, University of Wyoming, 2008-09.
• Governor’s TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load) Committee Member, Wyoming, 1999-2005.
• Environmental Council SAR Committee Member, Wyoming, 2001.