Dixon, David

• Ph.D., University of Texas

• M.S., South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

• B.S., South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Remediation of Toxic Materials from Surface and Mine Waters.

Arsenic and many other water contaminants, especially from mine water runoff, or other contaminants such as PFAS, remain a concern across the United States. In 2006, the EPA lowered the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for arsenic in drinking water from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. In SD this was an issue for small rural water systems. Initially we became interested in finding inexpensive, yet robust means of removing the arsenic. Since that time, we have been working with local gold mines looking at remediation of surface waters and their holding ponds to remove arsenic, fluoride, and certain heavy metals. This project will focus on design and building of a control and treatment system capable of functioning remotely to remove selenium. It should be able to work with minimum maintenance and an accuracy sufficient to ensure complete selenium removal on a continuous basis. For a complete control and treatment system in a remote location, we’ll look at ways to detect total dissolved selenium at low concentrations. This could involve designing and developing a small flow-through sensor based on cells that give a measurable response to a contaminant, such as dissolved selenium.