Comparative Analysis of Nickel Remediation Techniques in Aqueous Environments
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Jacque Kelly
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Department of Geology
Abstract
Nickel is a critical resource in the industrial production of stainless steel, electronic devices and batteries. However, both resource extraction and the production itself releases significant amounts of carcinogenic nickel compounds which pose severe health risks to the surrounding population. Once in the environment, Nickel tracking is problematic because of the element's high mobility especially in acidic and oxidizing conditions, while the metal adsorbs onto or coprecipitates with carbonates. This study aims to synthesize an overview for nickel remediation processes in aquifers by comparing and contrasting different approaches and their geochemical backgrounds through literature review. Nickel's interaction with both the organic and inorganic components of soil, rock and waters as applied to aquifers, is not well understood, making it harder to predict how the contamination will behave when in contact with the environment. Creating a comparative overview of nickel's observed behavior across different geologic settings helps to reveal the patterns for a general behavior. The analysis of isotope fractionation mainly 60Ni and 58Ni using stable isotope geochemistry allows for a more precise evaluation of how the contamination moves through the environment. Generally, lighter isotopes readily precipitate (especially during calcite formation), producing larger concentrations in inorganic nickel depositions and in organic masses, and the heavier ones are more likely to stay in solution and travel further from their source. Tracing such mass fractionation helps identify the chemical processes by which nickel accumulates in the particular environment, further specifying the most optimal rehabilitation technique. A reference template of rehabilitation methods fit for the distinct geologic environment not only allows for a quicker action plan for newly found contaminated sites, but helps in revealing general trends of nickel behavior with the potential to enhance the overall understanding of nickel’s interaction with its environment.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Varga, Sara, "Comparative Analysis of Nickel Remediation Techniques in Aqueous Environments" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 210.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/210
Comparative Analysis of Nickel Remediation Techniques in Aqueous Environments
Russell Union Ballroom
Nickel is a critical resource in the industrial production of stainless steel, electronic devices and batteries. However, both resource extraction and the production itself releases significant amounts of carcinogenic nickel compounds which pose severe health risks to the surrounding population. Once in the environment, Nickel tracking is problematic because of the element's high mobility especially in acidic and oxidizing conditions, while the metal adsorbs onto or coprecipitates with carbonates. This study aims to synthesize an overview for nickel remediation processes in aquifers by comparing and contrasting different approaches and their geochemical backgrounds through literature review. Nickel's interaction with both the organic and inorganic components of soil, rock and waters as applied to aquifers, is not well understood, making it harder to predict how the contamination will behave when in contact with the environment. Creating a comparative overview of nickel's observed behavior across different geologic settings helps to reveal the patterns for a general behavior. The analysis of isotope fractionation mainly 60Ni and 58Ni using stable isotope geochemistry allows for a more precise evaluation of how the contamination moves through the environment. Generally, lighter isotopes readily precipitate (especially during calcite formation), producing larger concentrations in inorganic nickel depositions and in organic masses, and the heavier ones are more likely to stay in solution and travel further from their source. Tracing such mass fractionation helps identify the chemical processes by which nickel accumulates in the particular environment, further specifying the most optimal rehabilitation technique. A reference template of rehabilitation methods fit for the distinct geologic environment not only allows for a quicker action plan for newly found contaminated sites, but helps in revealing general trends of nickel behavior with the potential to enhance the overall understanding of nickel’s interaction with its environment.
