Michael Parsons - Environmental Geochemistry

Name: Michael Parsons
Field of Expertise: Environmental geochemistry of metals and mine wastes
Education: Ph.D. in Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University
Works at: Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada - Atlantic, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

What he studies

Dr. Parsons studies the sources and cycling of metals in the environment and their potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. As part of his research, he collects samples of water, soil, and/or sediments from locations all across Canada, including gold mines, uranium mines, and polluted coastal areas such as Halifax Harbour.

What is the importance of his research?

Michael’s research is important for understanding the fluxes of metals from natural and man-made sources, the mobility of these elements in the environment, and their potential risk to humans, animals, and plants. The results of his research are shared with experts in risk assessment and human health to help develop better environmental quality guidelines and reduce exposure to contaminated sites.

Interesting fact

Michael’s studies at abandoned mines rely heavily on GSC maps that often date back to the late 1800s, which are now easily accessed through the ESS’ MIRAGE digital image library. These maps show the locations of old mine workings, mill sites, and mine wastes that are now heavily overgrown in many former mining districts.

Current research projects

Optimizing remediation methods for gold mine tailings, environmental cycling of radionuclides and rare earth elements near decommissioned uranium mines, characterizing the effects of climate change on baseline geochemical conditions near metal mines in Northern Canada.

Key publications

Parsons, M.B., LeBlanc, K.W.G., Hall, G.E.M., Sangster, A.L., Vaive, J.E., and Pelchat, P. (2012). Environmental geochemistry of tailings, sediments and surface waters collected from 14 historical gold mining districts in Nova Scotia, Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 7150, 326 p.

Walker, S.R., Parsons, M.B., Jamieson, H.E., Lanzirotti, A. (2009) Arsenic mineralogy of near-surface tailings and soils: Influences on arsenic mineralogy and bioaccessibility in the Nova Scotia gold mining districts. Canadian Mineralogist 47: 533–556.

Parsons, M.B., Cranston, R.E. (2006) Influence of lead smelter emissions on the distribution of metals in marine sediments from the Bay of Chaleur, Eastern Canada. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis 6: 259–275.

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