Computational Studies in Molecular Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry

The ability to predict the transport and transformations of contaminants within the subsurface is critical for decisions on virtually every waste disposal option facing the Department of Energy (DOE), from remediation technologies such as in situ bioremediation to evaluations of the safety of nuclear waste repositories. With this fact in mind, the DOE has recently sponsored a series of workshops on the development of a Strategic Simulation Plan (SSP) on applications of high performance computing to national problems of significance to the DOE. One of the application areas selected was in the area of subsurface transport and environmental chemistry. Within the SSP on subsurface transport and environmental chemistry several areas were identified where applications of high performance computing could potentially significantly advance our knowledge of contaminant fate and transport. Within each of these areas molecular level simulations were specifically identified as a key capability necessary for the development of a fundamental mechanistic understanding of complex biogeochemical processes. This effort consists of a series of specific molecular level simulations and program development in four key areas of geochemistry/biogeochemistry (i.e., aqueous hydrolysis, redox chemistry, mineral surface interactions, and microbial surface properties). By addressing these four different, but computationally related, areas it becomes possible to assemble a team of investigators with the necessary expertise in high performance computing, molecular simulation, and geochemistry/biogeochemistry to make significant progress in each area. The specific targeted geochemical/biogeochemical issues include: Microbial surface mediated processes: the effects of lipopolysacchardies present on gramnegative bacteria. Environmental redox chemistry: Dechlorination pathways of carbon tetrachloride and other polychlorinated compounds in the subsurface. Mineral surface interactions: Describing surfaces at multiple scales with realistic surface functional groups Aqueous Hydrolysis Reactions and Solvation of Highly Charged Species: Understanding the formation of polymerized species and ore formation under extreme (Hanford Vadose Zone and geothermo) conditions. By understanding on a fundamental basis these key issues, it is anticipated that the impacts of this research will be extendable to a wide range of biogeochemical issues. Taken in total such an effort truly represents a “Grand Challenge” in molecular geochemistry and biogeochemistry.