Environmental Geoscience
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Dr John Webb: Research Interests
Water geochemistry and hydrogeology
Acid mine drainage (AMD)
This environmental problem is due to oxidation of sulphide minerals at the earth's surface, and is widespread in Australia, generally associated with base metal mines, but also with some coal mines and recent marine sediments (acid sulphate soils). My research currently focuses on the sludges produced by neutralising AMD, particularly improving their resistance to acid leaching, and also the neutralisation of acid mine drainage with limestone, both naturally and in anoxic mine drains. There are several current and recently completed PhD projects on acid drainage, and new PhD/MSc projects are offered on modifying the current neutralisation techniques to improve sludge crystallinity and absorption of heavy metals into these sludges. Experimental work will form a large part of the projects, and company support is available for suitable candidates.
Groundwater
Extensive areas of southeastern and southwestern Australia are affected by land salinisation, due in large part to rising watertables. The increased salinity of the soil adversely affects agricultural production, and is regarded as one of the most serious problems facing agriculture in Australia. My research focuses on understanding the often site-specific processes behind dryland salinity, groundwater intrusion into streams, groundwater contamination and lake hydrology in particular areas of western and central Victoria, and using this to advise on appropriate management strategies. There are several current and recently completed PhD projects on groundwater, and new PhD/MSc projects are offered in the same areas. All projects are supported by the local Catchment Management Authority and carried out in consultation with Landcare Groups and Department of Primary Industry Victoria.
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