# Project 4: Geochemical Predictors of Arsenic Contamination

> **NIH NIH P42** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2021 · $284,203

## Abstract

ABSTRACT: PROJECT 4
Project 4 seeks to better understand the factors that result in solubilization of iAs and related oxyanion-forming
trace elements (V, Cr) in well water. It is generally accepted that biogeochemical processes (rock weathering,
redox transformations) control solubilization of these contaminants from aquifer materials. However, detailed
mechanistic understanding of subsurface processes and an ability to apply biogeochemical parameters as
predictors of contamination are lacking, and as a result, drinking-water wells may be susceptible to
contamination. The central hypothesis is that the concentrations of specific rock- and groundwater-
hosted chemical oxidants can be used to predict the risks of iAs, V, and Cr contamination in drinking-
water wells, guide remediation strategies for co-contaminated sites, and facilitate health interventions.
This topic is particularly relevant in North Carolina, which has 20 Superfund sites with documented As, as well
as significant population utilizing drinking-water wells with elevated iAs, V, and Cr from geogenic sources. We
thus propose a multipronged plan that integrates field, laboratory, and spectroscopic measurements with
mechanistic and geospatial modeling to (1) develop a comprehensive multiscale understanding of the contrasting
redox-driven mechanisms of iAs, V, and Cr solubilization, and (2) derive tools for predicting current and future
contamination of well water. The use of fundamental research to develop geochemical predictors of
contamination is aligned with the theme of the center “Identifying novel methods to reduce iAs exposure and
elucidating mechanisms underlying iAs-induced metabolic dysfunction with a vision for disease prevention.”
proposed research will facilitate disease prevention by guiding future well placement and monitoring efforts,
potentially increasing awareness and decreasing exposure to naturally occurring toxic trace elements.
Furthermore, this research will motivate novel interventions for responding to contaminants in the environment,
including geogenically impacted sites in North Carolina, as well as in anthropogenically impacted locations such
as Superfund sites.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10112267
- **Project number:** 5P42ES031007-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Owen Duckworth
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $284,203
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-02-20 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10112267

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10112267, Project 4: Geochemical Predictors of Arsenic Contamination (5P42ES031007-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10112267. Licensed CC0.

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