How tiny metal-rich dust from old uranium mines moves through air, soil, and crops on tribal lands
Transport and bioavailability of U and co-occurring metals in nanoparticulate matter on tribal lands affected by mining legacy
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR · NIH-11124911
This project looks at whether tiny metal-bearing dust from abandoned uranium mines gets into the air, soil, and local crops around Navajo Nation and Laguna Pueblo and could expose people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124911 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you live near these sites, researchers will collect samples of mine wastes, soils (including agricultural soils), and airborne particles around abandoned uranium mines on Navajo Nation and Laguna Pueblo lands. They will measure metals such as uranium, vanadium, copper, and arsenic on nanoparticulates and study the particles' physical and chemical properties. The team will model how wind moves and deposits these particles into nearby communities and test crops grown on adjacent soils to see if plants take up metal-bearing particulates. Laboratory analyses and transport models will be used together to map likely exposure pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live, farm, or garden on or near Navajo Nation and Laguna Pueblo lands in Arizona and New Mexico near abandoned uranium mines are the most relevant candidates for participation or sample contribution.
Not a fit: People who live far from the affected tribal lands or whose exposures come from unrelated sources are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify real exposure routes and help guide cleanup efforts, farming guidance, and public health protections for affected communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown metals contaminate soils and water near abandoned mines, but rigorous investigation of airborne nanoparticulate transport and crop uptake is relatively new and less well-established.
Where this research is happening
ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR — ALBUQUERQUE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BREARLEY, ADRIAN J — UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIS CTR
- Study coordinator: BREARLEY, ADRIAN J
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.