Geochemical modeling examines the linkages between trace metals and their mineral hosts, and the role of mineralogy as a control on natural geochemical background variation. For example, calcium (Ca) can be used to estimate the carbonate mineral content of soil, hence its pH buffering capacity. Likewise sodium (Na) can be used to approximate Na-feldspar. Trace element availability can be linked to differential weathering of mineral hosts and the release of elements to soil solution. In addition to health risk, this work relates to soil fertility and nutrient availability, such as Mg, Ca, and K, and supports issues of sustainable development.

Our current Geochemical modeling is focused on four research topics:

1. Trace Metal Hosts: What minerals host trace elements - in particular metals such as Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr? How does knowledge of host minerals effect environmental studies? Trace elements are not uniformly distributed among minerals but occur preferentially in some. The types of minerals hosting these elements determine how quickly the elements are released to the environment through weathering, hence reactivity and risk.
2. Mapping Soil Mineralogy: What mineralogical analyses methods are appropriate for environmental studies? The determination of soil mineralogy for environmental studies can be difficult by tradtional approaches. Mineral analyses of fine sand and silt sized (0.500 - 0.010mm) grains using microbeam approaches have potential value.
3. Modeling Soil Mineralogy: How can geochemical data be used to model soil mineralogy? The use of geochemical data to characterize soil mineralogy could represent a cost-effective tool for environmental mapping and interpretation of geochemical background.
4. Application of Geochemical Models to Environmental Studies: How can geochemical models be applied to environmental studies, including critical loads and metal flux estimation? How are metals distributed among different sample media and what does this mean for the interpretation of geochemical background?