Dr Charlotte Braungardt

Research interests

My research interests lie in the geochemistry and biogeochemistry of catchment systems, from headwaters to estuaries and into the coastal zone. Current research projects investigate point and diffuse sources of elements associated with metal mining activities and the impact of contamination on the aquatic environment, soils and the assessment of risk for humans from uptake of metals into agricultural products. For this work, collaboration with external partners include local organisations (e.g. Tamar Valley Service), as well as the Environment Agency, Camborne School of Mines, the British Geological Survey, the International Zinc Association and the European Copper Institute. The application of novel techniques to assess the impact of metal inputs into catchments have been the focus of recent activities. These integrate metal speciation measurements obtained with an in-situ voltammetric profiling system with speciation modelling and ecotoxicological studies on oyster embryo bioassays. The MARA bioassay (Microbial Assay for toxic Risk Assessment) is used to determine toxic effects of mixtures of metals and organic compounds. 

Current research projects

1. Metal geochemistry in agricultural soils. PhD student Thomas Robson, co-investigators: Dr. Miranda Keith-Roach, Prof. Paul Worsfold and Dr. John Rieuwerts. Supported by QR funds and the Seal Hayne Educational Trust.
2. Trace metal fate and behaviour in a metal impacted estuary. Principal investigator: Dr. Sean Comber; co-investigator: Prof. Paul Worsfold. Supported by NERC funds and the International Zinc Association and European Copper Institute.

Other research

Recent conference presentations

Braungardt, C.B., Money, C., Achterberg, E.P.A.. Bioavailability and Toxicity of Metals in an Estuary Contaminated by Acid Mine Drainage. Goldschmidt Conference, 14-19 August 2011, Prague.

Robson, T.C., Braungardt, C.B., Keith-Roach, M. Rapid Weathering of Arsenopyrite in Agricultural Soils. Goldschmidt Conference, 14-19 August 2011, Prague.

Turner, A.J.M., Braungardt, C.B., Rieuwerts, J. Dissolved Metals and As from Metal Mine Waste - Laboratory vs. Field Determinations. Goldschmidt Conference, 14-19 August 2011, Prague.

Braungardt, C.B., Butterfield, M., Wajrak, M. On-site mine water analysis: application note for the PDV6000plus. International Mine Water Conference, 5-9 September 2010, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Braungardt, C.B., Turner, A.J.M., Rieuwerts, J., Worsfold, P., Williamson, B., Potter, H. Acid mine waters at Wheal Betsy, an abandoned Pb/Zn mine in southwest England (poster). International Mine Water Conference, 19-23 October 2009, Pretoria, South Africa.

Turner, A.J.M., Braungardt, C.B., Worsfold, P., Rieuwerts, J., Williamson, B., Potter, H. Dynamic up-flow percolation tests - a model for mining waste leachate generation (oral). International Mine Water Conference, 19-23 October 2009, Pretoria, South Africa. Winner of best student platform presentation.

Braungardt, C.B., Mighanetara, K., Rieuwerts, J., Azizi, F., Pirrie, D., Turner, A. Contaminant export potential of selected mine waste in SW England (oral). International Mine Water Conference, 02-05 June 2008, Karlovy Vary, Czec Republic.

Braungardt, C.B., Mighanetara, K., Money, C. Mine waters in estuarine environments (oral). International Mine Water Symposium, 27-31 May 2007, Cagliari, Italy.

In line with my research and teaching interests, I review manuscripts for scientific journals, including Mine Water and the Environment, Journal of Geochemical Exploration, Environment International, Journal of Environmental Management, Marine Chemistry, The Science of the Total Environment, Scientia Marina, Water Resource Management, Chemosphere, Environmental Chemistry Letters.

I support the International Mine Water Association as member of their scientific committee in the organisation of conferences and am Associate Editor for their Journal 'Mine Water and the Environment'.

Research degrees awarded to supervised students

Alison JM Turner: Diffuse Mine Water Pollution: Quantification and Risk Assessment in the Tamar Catchment. PhD, April 2011. Funded by Great Western Research and the Environment Agency of England and Wales.

Krongkaew Mighanetara: Impact of Metal Mining on the Water Quality in the Tamar Catchment. PhD, December 2008. With Dr. John Rieuwerts and Dr. Fethi Azizi. Funded by the Royal Thai Government and the School of Engineering and Technology at Plymouth University.

Cathryn Money: Trace Metal Chemical Speciation and Acute Toxicity to Pacific Oyster Larvae. PhD, December 2007. With Prof. Paul Worsfold and Prof. Eric Achterberg (National Oceanography Centre, Southampton). NERC Case studentship.

Grants & contracts

Current funding

2012-2015
Trace metal fate and behaviour in a metal impacted estuary (with Dr. Sean Comber (PI), Prof. Paul Worsfold). Supported by NERC funds and the International Zinc Association and European Copper Institute.

2010-2013
Geochemical transformation of toxic metal-rich mining waste in agricultural soils: implications for crops (with Dr. Miranda Keith-Roach, Prof. Paul Worsfold, Dr. John Rieuwerts).

Past funding

2010-1012

2009-2010
Geoprocessing of contaminant transport in catchments affected by abandoned metal mines, KTP collaboration with the British Geological Survey, funded by the Environment Agency and HEIF3.

2007-2010
Sustainable management of minewater pollution from headwaters to estuaries (with Prof. Paul Worsfold and Drs John Rieuwerts, Benedict Williamson (Camborne School of Mines) and Hugh Potter (Environment Agency)), GWR Studentship co-funded by the EA.

2005-2008
The legacy of metal mining in the Tamar Valley: Impact on environmental quality and solutions (with Drs John Rieuwerts, Fethi Azizi and John Summerscale). Scholarship from the Royal Thai Government.

2004-2008
Novel integration of trace element speciation measurements and marine bioassays (with Profs. Eric Achterberg (NOC), Awadhesh Jha, Paul Worsfold). Nerc Case Studentship.

Research groups

• Biogeochemistry Research Centre (BGC)