David Singer
Biography
My research is in the field of environmental mineralogy and geochemistry, focusing on the fate and transport of metals and radionuclides in the environment. In particular, I am interested in the geochemical and biogeochemical processes that occur at mineral surfaces which can limit or promote contaminant transport in a range of surface environments. My research has ranged from applied characterization studies of uranium and copper speciation at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site, to fundamental studies of the processes by which uranium and strontium are sequestered at mineral surfaces.; Recent work has aimed at determining the mechanisms by which heavy metals or radionuclides can interact with complex mineral interfaces, in particular focusing on the formation of uranium-bearing nanoparticles.; This work is done by applying laboratory-based analytical and microscopy tools and synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopic and scattering methods to investigate natural and model systems.
Current and future research interests include:
- Electron transfer reactions between aqueous contaminants and mineral surfaces
- Metal sorption and diffusion kinetics into mesoporous materials
- Laboratory- and field-scale testing of metal remediation and stabilization techniques
Education
Publications
- Chowdhury, M.A.R., Singer, D.M., and Herndon, E. (2021) Colloidal metal transport in soils developing on historic coal mine spoil. Applied Geochemistry, 128: 104933
- Singer, D.M., Herndon, E., Zemanek, L., Cole, K, Sanda, T.G., Senko, J., and Perdrial, N. (2021) Biogeochemical controls on the potential for long-term contaminant leaching from soils developing on historic coal mine spoil. Soil Systems. 5(1): p.3
- Yazbek, L.D., Cole, K.A., Shedleski, A. Singer, D.M., and Herndon, E.M. (2020) Hydrogeochemical processes limiting Fe export in a headwater catchment impaired by acid mine drainage. Environ. Sci. Technol. Water
- Singer, D.M., Herndon, E.M., Cole, K, Koval, J., and Perdrial, N. (2020) Formation of secondary mineral coatings and the persistence of reduced metal-bearing phases in soils developing on historic coal mine spoil. Appl. Geochem. 121, 104711
- Shaw, M., Yazbek, L.D., Singer, D.M., and Herndon, E. (2020) Seasonal mixing from intermittent flow drives concentration-discharge (C-Q) behavior in a stream affected by coal mine drainage. Hydrol. Processes, 1-14
- Singer, D.M. (2020). The Effects of Natural Mineral Coatings on Metal Transport in Contaminated Aquifers. In Encyclopedia of Water, P. Maurice (Ed.).
- Singer, D.M., Herndon, E., **Cole, K., **Burkey, M., *Morisson, S., *Cahill, M. and Bartucci, M.A. (2020) Micron-scale distribution controls metal(loid) release during simulated weathering of a Pennsylvanian coal shale. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 269, 117-1
- Herndon, E., Yarger, B., Frederick, H. and Singer, D.M. (2019) Iron and Manganese Biogeochemistry in Forested Coal Mine Spoil. Soil Systems 3, 13
- Singer, D.M. The effects of natural mineral coatings on metal transport in contaminated aquifers. Encyclopedia of Water: Science, Technology, and Society. Ed. P. Maurice
- Singer, D.M., Jefferson, A.J., Traub, E.L., and Perdrial, N. The relationship between hydro-geomorphic setting and geochemical gradients along flowpaths in stream sediments impacted by acid mine drainage. Elementa. 6,16.
Awards/Achievements
- Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences, “Distinguished Teacher Award” (2019)
- Kent State University, Department of Geology, “Glenn W Frank Outstanding Teaching Award” (2018 and 2019)
- Centennial Teaching Assistant Award - Stanford University (AY 2004-2005)
