Blockages in sewerage systems may lead to backups and can be costly to clear. To better understand the composition of non-degraded solid waste in Eau Claire’s sewage, we conducted three audits of the solid waste captured by the bar screens at the Eau Claire Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Wearing personal protective equipment, we collected solids that had been captured over a two-hour period and sorted the waste into six categories: 1-4) disposable wipes in various stages of decay (intact, mostly intact, mostly shredded, and shreds entangled with hair), 5) feminine hygiene products, and 6) miscellaneous items (e.g., plastic, latex, leaves, and food). Waste groupings were measured by volume. Our findings show consistent trends across the three sampling dates: disposable wipes accounted for 81.3% (±5.6%), feminine hygiene products 11.3% (±1.6%), and miscellaneous waste 7.3% (±4.2%). Our study demonstrates that disposable wipes account for most non-degraded waste that reaches the WWTP. Beyond the potential for causing blockages, non-degraded waste must be collected and transported to the municipal landfill, increasing the costs for taxpayers. Our next step is to conduct outreach efforts to raise public awareness of the need for proper disposal of non-woven wipes and feminine hygiene products.
This project aims to map buried river channels beneath the desert sands to identify potential agricultural sites, particularly focusing on areas within irrigatable distance of the Nile River in Sudan. With fertile land along the Nile becoming increasingly limited, there is a growing need to explore new areas that can support farming. Sudan, a country in northeastern Africa, was once lush with river systems and vegetation but is now mostly covered by the Sahara Desert. Beneath the sands lie palaeochannels (ancient riverbeds and drainage systems) that contain fertile sediments and are highly suitable for agriculture. Agriculture has expanded into the desert over the past decade, revealing the potential of buried channels, but more fertile land is needed to continue this growth. In this study, we utilized a radar remote sensing sensor called PALSAR (Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar) to image subsurface hydrologic and geomorphic features. This sensor is capable of penetrating deeper into the ground from space, detecting buried palaeochannels and revealing areas that may harbour soil. Our reconnaissance mapping has uncovered a vast network of palaeochannels within a 40-mile radius of the Nile River, offering potential locations for agricultural expansion.
The Mineral Lake Intrusive Complex is an example of a layered and differentiated mafic intrusive complex within the Mesopaleozoic Mid-Continent Rift in the Lake Superior region. This intrusive complex hosts Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization discovered in the 1960’s via electromagnetic geophysical surveys and at least 16 drill holes were completed. Within increasing demand for domestic critical mineral product to supply metals for energy, communication, and miliary infrastructure, prospects like the Mineral Lake Ni-Cu-PGE showing are increasingly important. This project aims to describe the mineralogy of the sulfide inclusions and the host intrusion geochemistry to better understand the geological characteristics of the mineralized portion of the Mineral Lake Complex. Two drill holes were re-logged (WIS-12 and WIS-11) and samples were collected to represent the range of intrusive phases and mineralization types. Micron-scale PGE-bearing mineral phases are described using the SEM-EDS. Mineralization is hosted in either gabbro or anorthosite phases of the intrusion and are found as mm-scale sulfide segregations composing 1-10% of the rock. Analysis on the SEM-EDS has shown PGE mineralization is commonly hosted in Fe-Ni sulfides. Preliminary results are improving our understanding of economic significance of Mid-continent Rift magmatism.
The Eau Claire Volcanic Complex (ECVC) was thought to have formed on an Archean crustal block (~2.6-3.0 Ga) called the Marshfield Terrane during the Penokean Orogen along the southern margin of the Superior craton. The other volcanic terrane within the Penokean Orogen, the Pembine-Wausau terrane, is interpreted to have formed without older crust and hosts about 150 million tonnes of metallic sulfide ores. The ‘continental’ setting of the Marshfield Terrane assumes this region is not prospective for the same ores. However, U/Pb isotopic and other geochemical data from the ECVC challenges this current model. The ECVC is challenging to study because of a lack of mineral exploration (and drilling) coupled with rare outcrop exposure due to glacial/fluvial sediment and Paleozoic rock cover. This project studies remote, inaccessible outcrops along the Eau Claire River to refine the tectonic model and terrane boundaries. Samples were collected from the limited outcrop exposure along the North Fork of the Eau Claire River. These samples were then processed in order to isolate zircon grains. Zircons are a common mineral used for U/Pb radiometric dating. The zircons were then analyzed at Laurentian University (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada) via Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS). This type of laser ablation allows us to collect U/Pb and trace element geochemistry from each individual grain that was analyzed. This data combined with petrology and geochemistry data from the previous year can provide a deeper understanding of the formation conditions, metamorphic history, and potential alteration processes that formed the bedrock.
This project aims to assess groundwater quality in rural Eau Claire County by collecting and testing water samples from 244 private wells between June 2023 and December 2024. Samples were analyzed for contaminants such as nitrate, coliform, E. coli, hardness, and metals like arsenic, lead, copper, and manganese at the Eau Claire Public Health Laboratory. This data complements existing information in the Eau Claire City-County Health Department database. Well construction logs were also reviewed to understand well depth and geology, helping identify spatial patterns related to contamination. The project responds to the 2018 Eau Claire County Groundwater Advisory Committee’s recommendations in the “State of the Groundwater Report,” which called for systematic well testing, identifying high-risk areas, and reviewing groundwater protection regulations. With around 9,000 private wells serving 25% of the population, most are infrequently tested due to financial barriers and lack of accessible educational materials. This initiative, funded through an American Rescue Plan Act grant, aims to address these challenges and support environmental public health in rural communities.
PFAS, a group of widely used chemicals, are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. They are linked to various health concerns, including cancer, thyroid disorders, and reproductive issues. In July 2021, PFAS contamination was discovered in the Eau Claire municipal well field in northwest Eau Claire County, likely from firefighting foam. By 2023, elevated levels of PFAS were found in several private wells in rural southwest Eau Claire County, prompting a county-wide testing initiative in collaboration with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. Wells were selected based on land use, homeowner consent, and available construction logs. A public service announcement was also released by the Health Department to facilitate broadscale testing across the county, not limited by land use. Between June 2023 and December 2024, student researchers from UWEC sampled 97 private wells for PFAS. The samples were analyzed at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for 33 PFAS compounds. Approximately 30% of the samples tested positive for PFAS, with 8% exceeding the EPA’s proposed limit of 4 ppt for combined PFOA and PFOS, and 2% surpassing the Wisconsin Hazard Index. This study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of PFAS contamination in private wells.
Blockages in sewerage systems may lead to backups and can be costly to clear. To better understand the composition of non-degraded solid waste in Eau Claire’s sewage, we conducted three audits of the solid waste captured by the bar screens at the Eau Claire Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Wearing personal protective equipment, we collected solids that had been captured over a two-hour period and sorted the waste into six categories: 1-4) disposable wipes in various stages of decay (intact, mostly intact, mostly shredded, and shreds entangled with hair), 5) feminine hygiene products, and 6) miscellaneous items (e.g., plastic, latex, leaves, and food). Waste groupings were measured by volume. Our findings show consistent trends across the three sampling dates: disposable wipes accounted for 81.3% (±5.6%), feminine hygiene products 11.3% (±1.6%), and miscellaneous waste 7.3% (±4.2%). Our study demonstrates that disposable wipes account for most non-degraded waste that reaches the WWTP. Beyond the potential for causing blockages, non-degraded waste must be collected and transported to the municipal landfill, increasing the costs for taxpayers. Our next step is to conduct outreach efforts to raise public awareness of the need for proper disposal of non-woven wipes and feminine hygiene products.
A satisfactory understanding of the electron, including the nature of its structure and dynamics, has remained elusive since its discovery by JJ Thomson over a century ago. Recently, one of us has developed a working model for the electron that can explain its most enigmatic properties, including: 1) its dual wave/particle behavior; 2) its spin=1/2 nature; and 3) its ability to orbit a positively-charged atomic nucleus without spiraling into its core. Here, we present a visual depiction of two orbiting electrons in the n=1, s-orbital (helium) shell. We employ the animation program, Blender, to incorporate the time-dependent behavior of the different components of the electron, and show how its spinning components work together, simply following Maxwell’s Laws, to generate a stable electron shell surrounding the atom.
Once roughly five times the size of the Lake Superior in the United States, Megalake Chad was a vast inland lake that has drastically receded over the past 5,000 years, leaving behind geomorphic features and drainage patterns indicative of its former expanse. This study investigates the geomorphic features and hydrology of this ancient lake using topographic data. Specifically, we utilized the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 30-meter Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for analyses, generating slope maps to enhance our understanding of surface drainage patterns. To identify drainage features potentially overlooked by slope analyses, radar remote sensing data was used. Because much of Megalake Chad's northern basin is in the Sahara Desert radar sensors like PALSAR and RADARSAT are valuable for their ability to reveal subsurface features under the sand. Integrated topographic surface analysis and subsurface mapping offers a promising approach to uncovering buried channels and alluvial fans/deltas. Our findings not only reinforce evidence of a large ancient lake, but also reveal previously underexplored drainage patterns with potential valuable water resources and arable land.
This project is investigating the nature of gold mineralization at the Atlas Mine, western Montana. Rock and powder samples were provided by LJB Explorations Ltd. to characterize the textural and mineralogical associations of gold mineralization at the mine. These samples included rocks from ore stockpiles, waste piles, and crushed, high-grade samples. The rock powder was processed for heavy mineral concentrates, including gold, using gold panning and a Gemini Table. The rock samples and heavy mineral concentrates were mounted in epoxy then polished to a finish of 1 µm. These samples were then examined using an SEM-EDS with a goal of determining textural and mineralogical associations with gold that could assist LJB Exploration Ltd. in targeting additional gold concentrations on a larger scale. Results from the SEM for the high-grade powder sample produced flakes of gold, roughly 20-30 µm, with associated heavy elements consisting of iron, silver, lead, and trace yttrium. Rock samples had flakes of gold in the range of roughly 20-100 µm in size, with associated heavy elements consisting of primarily iron, with a more substantial amount of silver as well.
The Paleoproterozoic Penokean Orogen in Northern Wisconsin is known to host multiple volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits which are important sources of Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag, and Au. Despite known large and potentially economic VMS deposits, limited outcrop exposure has hindered detailed reconstructions of the VMS-hosting environment to guide future exploration. Zircon petrochronology can help us give a more complete understanding of the magmatic environment in which they formed. This study sampled felsic igneous rocks to determine the timing and tectonic settings of VMS deposits in the western Penokean Orogen. Samples were pulverized and heavy mineral separates were obtained by various magnetic and density separation techniques. The zircon mineral grains were imaged by cathodoluminescence and backscattered electron microscopy at Laurentian University, Canada. Zircon isotopic (U/Pb, Lu-Hf) and trace element data were analyzed via laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer (LA-ICPMS). U/Pb isotopic data constrains timing of magmatism. Trace elements and Lu-Hf data constrain the tectonic setting and crustal architecture. Preliminary results have indicated two distinct VMS-forming magmatic events during the Penokean Orogeny that have similar tectonic and magmatic styles.
The Plover Au deposit, located in Marathon County, WI, is host to a series of andesite, schist, and felsic/mafic intrusives which have undergone at least 3 phases of deformation, hydrothermal alteration, and greenschist grade metamorphism. With its proximity to the larger and better explored Reef Deposit, a more complete understanding of the formational history and geochemical footprint of the Plover prospect can add to regional understanding and better gold exploration models. For this study, two holes (PL-76-1 & PL-76-4), totaling ~1,180 linear feet of core were logged and described to highlight the volcanic stratigraphy and lithologic variety. Cores and samples were characterized by petrographic and geochemical analyses. Mineralization at the Plover deposit is characterized by cross-cutting vein networks containing boudins and vugs, and zones of brecciation. Hydrothermal alteration is suggested based on sericite/talc alteration within volcanic strata and zoned sulfide (pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite), quartz, and calcite veins and vugs. Since high Au concentrations are typically present within brittle massive/semi-massive sulfide veins, formation of these deposits likely occurred after Penokean deformation/metamorphism and are related to a younger tectonic/magmatic event.
Modern technology and renewable energy require large amounts of metals that are derived from minerals. Many of these resources are imported, and there is a tremendous effort to domesticate our mineral extraction and processing. Several of these critical minerals, such as Ti, are found in Wisconsin, but little data is available to guide future mineral exploration efforts. This study describes the petrology and geochemistry of the Round Lake Ti Deposit in northern Wisconsin using historic drill cores stored at the WGNHS. The Round Lake intrusion that hosts the Ti mineralization is related to 1.1 Ga Mid-Continent Rift magmatism. The main intrusion is a magnetite-ilmenite rich gabbro, ranging from 35-50% magnetite-ilmenite and 15-50% coarse grained plagioclase laths. Movement and flow of magmas during emplacement formed porphyritic and trachytic textures with aligned plagioclase crystals. In addition, there are other intrusive phases associated with the magnetite-ilmenite gabbro intrusion. The anorthosite has 55-90% euhedral plagioclase, 10-15% magnetite, and 5-15% pyroxene. The magnetite rich gabbro and anorthosite make up the intrusion and is crosscut by a fine-grained gabbro and granitic dikes. Petrographic and geochemical data and interpretations improve our understanding of Ti-bearing magmatism in the Mid-Continent Rift system.
The Ritchie Creek Cu-Zn deposit, located in the Paleoproterozoic Penokean Volcanic Belt (PVB) of northern Wisconsin, is one of many volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits known in the region. Previous studies suggest that VMS mineralization is concentrated on the western edge of a felsic volcanic center, likely formed in a back-arc or intra-arc rift environment, with mineralization occurring within bimodal volcanic sequences. These interpretations were largely based on core descriptions and comparisons to other global VMS deposits. This study aims to improve the understanding of the tectonic and volcanic setting of the Ritchie Creek deposit by re-examining historical drill cores and stratigraphic units. Over 1,000 feet of historic drill core was logged, and 22 samples were collected for petrographic and geochemical analysis, focusing on trace element characterization to better constrain the volcanic and tectonic setting. Sulfide mineralization is hosted in three main units: a quartz mica schist with disseminated sulfides, a sericite- and chlorite-altered quartz mica schist, and an intermediate meta-felsite that transitions into a rhyolitic tuff with localized sulfides and quartz veins. This project provides insights into the volcanic and tectonic processes that shaped the Ritchie Creek deposit, enhancing the understanding of VMS mineralization within the Penokean Volcanic Belt.
Minerals, such as monazite and xenotime, are an important source of rare earth (La, Ce, Nd) and high field strength (Th, Nb, Zr) elements which are essential for modern energy, communication, and military technologies. These critical minerals are often sourced in pegmatites associated with alkalic complexes, such as mines at Mountain Pass, USA, and Mount Weld, Australia. The Paleoproterozoic Eau Claire Volcanic Complex is intruded by granitic pegmatite dikes that postdate peak metamorphism, potentially linking them to 1.7 to 1.4 Ga fractionated alkalic magmas in the region. These pegmatites are highly fractionated, garnet-bearing, and low in calcium. The high concentration U, Th, La, Ce, and other rare earth elements put this pegmatite in niobium-yttrium-fluorine (NYF) class of pegmatites. This study collected bedrock samples from several locations across the Eau Claire Volcanic Complex (Little Falls, North Fork, Muskeg) to describe the trace mineral compositions. The minerals in the pegmatite samples were geochemically analyzed using a scanning electron microscope energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The major minerals in the samples are mainly plagioclase, quartz, and biotite. They contain minor mineral chemistry of Fe- and Mn-garnets, samarskites, xenotimes, monazites, thorites, and barites and may represent a potential source for critical minerals in Wisconsin.
The Mineral Lake Intrusive Complex (MLIC) is a relatively large (50 x 6 km) layered mafic intrusion (LMI) located in northern Wisconsin. Because LMIs are typically rich in platinum, chromium, vanadium, and titanium deposits, the MLIC has excited much interest for its potential to host valuable economic deposits. However, the entire southern boundary of the MLIC is defined by a significant thrust fault that placed the plutonic body on top of older Archaean crust. The fault separated the upper half of the intrusion from much of its lower half (not exposed), where the bulk of the economic deposits are expected to be found. There is an orphan, ~8 km^2 ultramafic intrusion (the Rearing Pond intrusion; RPI) adjacent to and of the same age as the MLIC. The RPI is composed of minerals expected at the base of a large LMI and may represent early crystallization within the MLIC. LMIs are characterized by distinct top-to-bottom stratigraphy in their Mg/Fe and Ca/Na ratios. We present whole-rock and mineral Mg/Fe and Ca/Na ratios using XRF and SEM analyses to test the hypothesis that the RPI represents the earliest crystallization in the MLIC, and to estimate the volume of missing material.
