SHORT COURSE
Assessing Contaminant Sources and Aquifer Continuity in Soil/Groundwater using Stable Isotopes of Strontium
(Sr) and Lead (Pb).
Sat., 18 May, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Fee: Minimal cost for printouts.
Portland State University, Dept. of Geology, Cramer Hall S17.
Richard W. Hurst, California Lutheran University, rhurst@callutheran.edu
This course is intended to serve the needs of (1) faculty with interests in environmental research and introducing
their students to new approaches regarding investigating environmental issues; (2) environmental consultants, the
private sector, and regulatory professionals who must resolve issues associated with site contamination, commingled
plumes, potential sources/degradation of contaminants of concern, as well as site remediation on a regular basis; and
(3) upper division undergraduate and graduate students in the earth/environmental or related sciences with an interest
in hydrogeological/environmental careers.
Fundamental concepts of Sr/Pb isotopes and allied methodologies (e.g., light stable isotopes, gas chromatography,
etc.) are covered, followed by specific case studies that exemplify their application to site-specific situations
predominantly in the western U.S. Topics to be covered include: soil/groundwater contamination, estimating the age
of fugitive releases when possible, tracing groundwater flow, and evaluating aquifer continuity. Despite the focus
on the western U.S., the techniques employed have been applied throughout the U.S. and internationally.