High-resolution maps of metal contamination in groundwater
High Resolution Models of Groundwater Metal Exposures
This project builds detailed models to find where arsenic, uranium, and other metals are polluting drinking water in rural and Native American communities so residents can reduce exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124895 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are combining existing and new well water chemistry measurements with mineral data and satellite-based hydrology information to better understand where metals enter groundwater. They will use machine learning to predict contaminant levels across rural landscapes, especially in Northern Plains and tribal areas with limited monitoring. The work links these groundwater models to past community health studies to see where exposures may affect cardiometabolic disease. The goal is to make maps and tools that help target testing and cleanup where it will protect people's health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in rural Northern Plains communities, especially Native American tribal members who rely on private wells or local groundwater for drinking, are the primary candidates to benefit or participate.
Not a fit: People served by large, regularly treated municipal water systems or those living outside the study region are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could point to contaminated wells so families can get their water tested, use filters, or access safer water supplies.
How similar studies have performed: Past Strong Heart Study data have shown high arsenic and uranium in these communities, and mapping approaches have identified hotspots before, but combining sparse rural groundwater data with advanced machine learning is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chillrud, Steven N. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chillrud, Steven N.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.