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Fate and Transport of Contaminants in SoilsContaminant-soil interactions have profound impacts on chemical spatial distribution, bioavailability, and persistence in the environment. Research in the Department of Agronomy strives to identify and quantify sorption, degradation, bioavailability, and transport processes of organic and metal contaminants and nutrients in aquatic and terrestrial environments using both molecular and macroscopic approaches. Research results are useful for optimizing the monitoring, regulation, and remediation of chemicals in the environment, and improving management practices in both agricultural and industrial settings. Top Soil RemediationPollution of soils with organic and inorganic contaminants is commonplace. Soils can become contaminated through waste disposal, spills, atmospheric deposition, and migration of pollutants from one site to another. One of the more promising, recent clean-up technologies for soils is bioremediation, defined as use of biological agents, such as bacteria or plants, to remove or neutralize contaminants. The Department of Agronomy at Purdue has active programs in bioremediation, including employing soil microorganisms to degrade pesticides; using higher plants to stimulate the destruction of anthropogenic organic chemicals in the root zone; the removal of inorganic contaminants (metals, nitrates, metalloids) through bioconcentration in plants; and, the immobilization of a wide array of pollutants through biological activities.
Remote Sensing of Soil Resources and Earth ObservationsInventorying the renewable and nonrenewable resources of the Earth and monitoring changes are tasks suited to remote sensing technologies. Geographic information systems (GIS) use modern data-gathering methods, such as global positioning systems (GPS) and remote sensing, and exploit advanced information-processing techniques, such as photogrammetry and digital image analysis, to provide the capability for a wide variety of applications. Using these spatial technologies relates to site specific management which involves intensively applying agronomic knowledge to reach the maximum production levels that are environmentally safe and profitable to the farmer.
Soil ErosionTopSoil Classification, Mapping, SurveyTopSoil Chemistry / Mineralogy
Soil Biology Soil Biology research in the Department of Agronomy strives to understand the diversity of organisms in nature and the functional and genetic mechanisms used by them to adapt to their environment. Soil biologists employ many innovative approaches, ranging from molecular biology to traditional microbiology and ecology, to studies both in the laboratory and field sites. In addition to the fundamental knowledge gained by this research, our findings can be applied to improve the environment for purposes of bioremediation and agricultural practices NanotechnologyTopWaste Management Humans and animals generate large quantities of residual by-products that contain potentially beneficial nutrients, as well as pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and other potentially harmful materials. Soil and crop scientists in the Department of Agronomy collaborate extensively with with colleagues from the animal science, veterinary science, pathology, and engineering disciplines, and government agency personnel to develop economically viable and environmentally sustainable utilization strategies for agricultural, municipal, and industrial by-products. |
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