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April 9, 2001
Q&A:
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"Nuclear waste, in general, decays in 10,000 years. If a contaminant surfaces in less time it's dangerious and we have to advise people. If it decays before that, people can live in those areas." |
Duke
Ophori
professor, Earth and Environmental Studies
When it comes to earth and environmental studies, Duke Ophori goes with the flow. But that can be difficult when the flow is hidden underground. A hydrogeologist, Ophori studies the flow of ground water.
Unlike surface water, where researchers can directly observe the flow, ground water requires special techniques to study it from the surface.
Ophori got his feet wet in hydrogeology as a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Alberta, Canada. He's worked with the Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Program and has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). But it's his work with the Gifted and Talented Youth Programs that brings a smile to his face. (Pictured above, Ophori works with Gifted and Talented students Thomas, Maureen, Reed and Aricel.)
His research includes modeling ground water flow, including the transport of heat and contaminants. "I would like to see my hydrogeological techniques applied to petroleum exploration, especially in Nigeria," he said. "It's a new area with no benchmark study, yet. I'd also like to see my work applied to the environment in New Jersey, one of the most heavily polluted states in the country."
INSIGHT: How do you model ground water flow?
Ophori: I collect data from the ground and set parameters that define how the
water moves. Then, using simulation mathematical techniques, I input that data
into my computer to observe how the water flows in certain areas. However, since
there is no way of verifying the computer data, I built a ground water flow
tank. If the computer matches the flow inside the tank, I can believe it's giving
me a true reading of the ground water flow in the field. I received a grant
from the DEP to study the flow of ground water in Long Island and to map on
a computer the areas most vulnerable to contamination. Last week I presented
those results in Atlantic City.
INSIGHT:
Tell us about the Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Program.
Ophori: We studied a concept of disposing high-level nuclear waste inside the
ground. Using computer simulation, we buried nuclear waste 1,000 feet underground
and generated water flow, which carried the waste back to the surface. We wanted
to find out exactly where and when it would surface. Nuclear waste, in general,
decays in 10,000 years. If a contaminant surfaces in less time it's dangerous
and we have to advise people living nearby. If it decays before that, people
can live in those areas. Doing that work taught me a lot about things we can
do in terms of land water movement and pollution.
INSIGHT: How do you apply the principles of ground water flow to petroleum exploration?
Ophori: This is a budding area that my adviser and I started when I was a Ph.D.
candidate. We believe that water carries oil and deposits it in low-energy areas,
and looking at ground water flow, we can locate those areas. It's only been
in the past 15 years that researchers have begun to test that theory. Some of
my peers in Canada are making a lot of money using that technique to advise
oil companies where to drill.
INSIGHT: How does that relate to your work in Nigeria?
Ophori: Nigeria is rich in oil, and there are a lot of oil companies with plenty
of data available for hydrogeological studies. Petroleum exploration drew me
to Nigeria two years ago because I wanted to apply theoretical hydrogeological
petroleum exploration. I've collected some data, and if I can raise the money,
I'll go back next year. I also hope to get funding to encourage Montclair State
students to visit Nigeria so they can see first hand where these theories are
applicable.
INSIGHT:
How did you get involved in the Gifted and Talented Program?
Ophori: When I first came to Montclair, the director, Rich Taubald, asked me
to teach a course called Environmental Earth Science Laboratory. I said, "no
way," because I didn't want to deal with fourth and fifth graders. He kept after
me, so I agreed to do it for one year. But the children surprised me. They are
extremely intelligent and I enjoyed teaching them about the earth. I consider
this class my own baby, and every year when Rich approaches me, I'm ready to
go.
