![[logo] US EPA](../gif/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Richard Wilkin
Dr. Wilkin is an Environmental Geochemist in GWERD's Subsurface Remediation Branch. He is the Team Leader of the Permeable Reactive Barriers Research Team, an interdisciplinary research team that explores key issues involving this groundwater remediation technology. Dr. Wilkin holds a B.A. in Geology from the University of Minnesota, an M.S. in Geology and Geochemistry from Michigan Technological University, and a Ph.D. in Geosciences from the Pennsylvania State University. He is a member of the Geochemical Society, the American Chemical Society, the Geological Society of America, and the Mineralogical Society of America. He serves on the editorial boards of the publications Chemical Geology, American Mineralogist, and Geochemical Transactions.
Dr. Wilkin’s research areas are permeable reactive barriers, monitored natural attenuation, and geologic sequestration of carbon. His research focus is on understanding the rates and mechanisms of mineral-fluid interactions. Problems of interest include redox reactions and contaminant interactions at mineral surfaces. The dominant approach has been to combine experimental studies and geochemical modeling with various microscopic, spectroscopic, and isotopic analyses. Examples of current research efforts include:
- Evaluation of methods for characterizing the redox state of contaminated groundwater, sediments, and soils
- Geochemistry of reactive iron minerals such as iron sulfides and green rusts
- Laboratory and field investigations that explore the permeable reactive barrier technology for treating inorganic and organic contaminants in groundwater
Selected Publications
Wilkin, R.T., S.D. Acree, R.R. Ross, D.G. Beak, and T.R. Lee. (2009). “Performance of a Zero-Valent Iron Reactive Barrier for the Treatment of Arsenic in Ground Water – Part 1, Hydrogeochemical Studies.” Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 106: 1–14.
Beak, D.G. and R.T. Wilkin. (2009). “Performance of a Zero-Valent Iron Reactive Barrier for the Treatment of Arsenic in Ground Water – Part 2, Geochemical Modeling and Solid Phase Studies. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology, 106: 15–28.
Wilkin, R.T. (2008). “Contaminant Attenuation Processes at Mine Sites.” Mine Water and the Environment, 27: 251–258.
He, Y., J.T. Wilson, and R.T. Wilkin. (2008). “Transformation of Reactive Iron Minerals in a Permeable Reactive Barrier (Biowall) Used to Treat TCE in Ground Water”. Environmental Science and Technology, 42: 6690–6696.
Wilkin, R.T., D.D. Fine, and N.G. Burnett. (2007). “Perchlorate Behavior in a Municipal Lake Following Fireworks Displays.” Environmental Science and Technology, 41: 3966–3971.
Wilkin, R.T. and R.G. Ford. (2006). “Arsenic Solid-Phase Partitioning in Reducing Sediments of a Contaminated Wetland.” Chemical Geology, 228: 156–174.