A Brief View of Mine Tailings Leaching and Geological Hydrogen Storage: A Chemistry Internship with CanmetENERGY

Abstract

Unsustainable fuel resources and their use has led to problems in energy sources and environmental health. As an attempt to remediate these issues, hydrogen energy and leaching effects are researched. For the Chemistry Internship Practicum (CHEM 497), I interned at CanmetENERGY, a part of National Resources Canada. Our research group under Dr. Nicholas Utting has been conducting research on both the geological storage of hydrogen and the leaching effect of mine tailings. Both projects aim to solve the aforementioned issues caused by modern energy use.

I will present on our past research on geological hydrogen storage, and our work preparing and running tests on water samples to determine the elemental compositions dissolved in them. Substances such as sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, calcium, sodium, carbon, and others will be highlighted. I will also discuss the technical skills gained from this internship, such as consistency when preparing samples and standards, caution when working with dangerous substances, and competent operation of equipment. The most valuable professional skills I have learned from this experience, such as communication and record keeping, will be mentioned as well.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Samuel Mugo