SHAWN BENNER

EDUCATION:

Ph.D., Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo
M.S., Geology, University of Montana
B.S. Geology, The Colorado College

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS:

Dr. Benner’s research interests include aqueous geochemistry and hydrogeology, with an emphasis on biogeochemical and hydrologic controls on the fate and transport of contaminants in aqueous systems. He is interested in examining scientific problems from the molecular to the field scale and his research approach often integrates microscopic techniques with fieldwork and laboratory experimentation and involves collaborative team efforts. Dr. Benner also utilizes numerical modeling to assist in developing conceptual models of complex biogeochemical processes. Specific, ongoing, research includes work to better understand nutrient cycling in the riparian corridor and the hyporheic zone of the Truckee River, the development of desert pavements in the Mojave Desert, and laboratory work on the impact of bacterially mediated mineral transformations in physically heterogeneous flow systems on trace metal mobility.

RESEARCH AREAS:

Biogeochemistry, Contaminant Transport, Coupled Processes, Reactive Transport Modeling, Aqueous Geochemistry

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:

Benner, S.G., C.M. Hansel, B.W. Wielinga, T. Barber and S.E. Fendorf, 2002.

Reductive dissolution and biomineralization of iron oxides under dynamic flow conditions. Environmental Science and Technology 36(8):1705-1711

McGregor, R., S.G. Benner, D.W. Blowes and R. Ludwig, 2002.

Sulfate Reduction Reactive Barriers to Treat Acidity and Heavy Metals: Two Case Studies. In: Handbook of ground water remediation of metals, radionuclides, and nutrients with permeable reactive barriers, edited by D.L. Naftz, S.J. Morrison, C.A. Fuller, and J.A. Davis. Accepted August 2001.

Ludwig, R., R. McGregor, D.W. Blowes, S. Benner and K. Mountjoy, 2002.

Geochemistry of an organic-based permeable reactive barrier for treatment of heavy metals. Ground Water 40(1):59-66.

Benner, S.G., D.W. Blowes, C.J. Ptacek and K.U. Mayer, 2002.

Rates of sulfate reduction and metal sulfide precipitation in a permeable reactive barrier. Applied Geochemistry 17(3):301-320.

Mayer, K.U., S.G. Benner, E.O. Frind, S.F. Thornton and D.L. Learner, 2001.

Reactive transport modeling of processes controlling the distribution and natural attenuation of phenolic compounds in a deep sandstone aquifer. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 53:341-368.

Benner, S.G., D.W. Blowes and J.W.H. Molson, 2001.

Modeling preferential flow in permeable reactive barriers: Implications for performance and design. Ground Water 39(3):371-379.

Blowes, D.W., C.J. Ptacek, S.G. Benner, C.W.T. McRae and R.W. Puls, 2000.

Treatment of dissolved metals and nutrients using permeable reactive barriers. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 45(1-2):123-137.

Benner, S.G., D. Gould and D.W. Blowes, 2000.

Microbial populations associated with the generation and treatment of acid mine drainage. Chemical Geology 169:435-448.

Herbert Jr., R.B., S.G. Benner and D.W. Blowes, 2000.

Solid Phase iron-sulfur geochemistry of a reactive barrier for treatment of mine drainage. Applied Geochemistry 15:1331-1343.

Benner, S.G., R.B. Herbert Jr., D.W. Blowes, C.J. Ptacek and D. Gould, 1999.

Geochemistry and microbiology of a permeable reactive barrier for acid mine drainage. Environmental Science and Technology 33:2793-2799.

Blowes, D.W., C.J. Ptacek, S.G. Benner, K.R. Waybrant and J.G. Bain, 1998.

Porous reactive walls for the prevention of acid mine drainage: a review. Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review 19:25-17.

Herbert Jr., R.B., S.G. Benner, A.R. Pratt and D.W. Blowes, 1998.

Surface chemistry and morphology of poorly crystalline iron sulfides precipitated in media containing sulfate-reducing bacteria. Chemical Geology 144:87-97.

Benner, S.G., D.W. Blowes and C.J. Ptacek, 1997.

Full-scale porous reactive wall for the prevention of acid mine drainage. Groundwater Monitoring and Remediation 17(4), Fall 1997.

Kempter, K.A., S.G. Benner and S.N. Williams, 1996.

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica: geology of the southwestern flank and hazards implications. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 71:109-127.

Benner, S.G., E.W. Smart and J.N. Moore, 1995.

Metal behavior during surface-groundwater interaction, Silver Bow Creek, Montana. Environmental Science and Technology 29:1789-1795.