We conduct applied interdisciplinary research into the interactions between the geosphere, humans and environmental wellbeing. We particularly focus on the development of sustainable, low-carbon and eco-friendly geologically-based technologies.
Research includes elucidating the potential adverse health effects and medical benefits of geological materials such as:
- mineral dusts
- volcanic ash
- coal fly ash
- bioreactive clays.
Optimising geophysical techniques for the mapping and characterisation of contaminated land, disused and closing landfills. The development of new technologies to map and delineate old mine workings, enabling new uses for old mining works. Benefits will include:
- heat recovery
- gas energy
- sustainability of water and energy resources.
Aims
We aim to better understand the relationship between geology and human occupational and environmental diseases. Our expertise will better enable the management and repurposing of historic mines.
Research
Geology and human health
We are researching into the relationship between geology and geologically-resourced materials and human health. This research encompasses both the potential benefits such as natural antibiotics, as well as adverse health effects such as coal-burning airborne particles, respiratory health, and cancer. Recent work is looking at the relationship between microscopic airborne particles and the transmission of COVID-19.
Technology and industrial legacies
Technology is being optimised to maximise the potential of repurposing historic mines for sustainable heat and gas energy recovery. In addition the innovative use of airborne drone technology is used for the mapping and risk assessment of mine waste, contaminated land, and legacy landfills. This work is integrated into the health studies and the potential risks of landfill leachates to human and environmental health.
Funding
Yangang, X. (Lead PI; Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University) and Jones, T. (Co-PI) and other Co-Applicants Mobile Crowd Sensing Network: Engaging with Communities to Explore Multiple Benefits of Urban Green Infrastructure. Engage/Inspire, Cardiff University. 2016, £5,000
Schuhmacher, M. (Lead PI; Chemical Engineering Department, Center of Environmental Food and Toxicology Technology) and Jones, T. (Co-PI) and other Co-Applicants Assessing the Exposure and the Health Effects of Ambient Fine and Ultrafine Particles in Areas of Intensive Industrial Activity (UltraPAR). Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad. 2016, £150,000
Ho, K-F. (Lead PI), Jones, T. (Co-PI) and BéruBé, K. (Co-PI) Characterisation and bioreactivity of PM2.5 near landfill sites and their impact on public health in Hong Kong. HMRF, Hong Kong Government, China (2016). HK$856,928; £68,044
Soberon, F. S. (University of Tarragona, Spain), Schuhmacher, M. (Lead PI), BéruBé, K. (Co-PI and Supervisor) and Jones, T. (Co-Supervisor) Toxicity of Fugitive Dust Particles Produced by Cement Factories. Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competition: PhD Short Exchange Studentship. 2015/16, £5,000
Hu, Y. (Chinese University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, China), Shao, L. (Lead PI), BéruBé, K. (Host Supervisor) and Jones, T. (Co-Supervisor) Study on the Physicochemistry & Toxicology of Indoor PM in Xuanwei Lung Cancer Area. China Scholarship Council, Ministry of Education, PRC; PhD Long Exchange Studentship. 2015/16, £20,000
Meet the team
Publications
- Zhang, M. et al., 2022. Hemolysis of PM10 on RBCs in vitro: an indoor air study in a coal-burning lung cancer epidemic area. Geoscience Frontiers 13 (1) 101176. (10.1016/j.gsf.2021.101176)
- Cao, Y. et al., 2021. Multiple relationships between aerosol and COVID-19: A framework for global studies. Gondwana Research 93 , pp.243-251. (10.1016/j.gr.2021.02.002)
- Niu, X. et al., 2021. The oxidative capacity of indoor source combustion derived particulate matter and resulting respiratory toxicity. Science of the Total Environment 767 144391. (10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144391)
- Incledion, A. et al. 2021. A new look at the purported health benefits of commercial and natural clays. Biomolecules 11 (1) 58. (10.3390/biom11010058)
- Tung, N. T. et al., 2021. Particulate matter and SARS-CoV-2: a possible model of COVID-19 transmission. Science of the Total Environment 750 141532. (10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141532)
- Lawson, M. J. et al. 2020. Iron-rich magnetic coal fly ash particles induce apoptosis in human bronchial cells. Applied Sciences 10 (23) 8368. (10.3390/app10238368)
- Li, W. et al., 2020. Air quality improvement in response to intensified control strategies in Beijing during 2013–2019. Science of the Total Environment 744 140776. (10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140776)
- Feng, X. et al., 2020. Particle-induced oxidative damage by indoor size-segregated particulate matter from coal-burning homes in the Xuanwei lung cancer epidemic area, Yunnan Province, China. Chemosphere 256 127058. (10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127058)
Schools
Next steps
Research that matters
Our research makes a difference to people’s lives as we work across disciplines to tackle major challenges facing society, the economy and our environment.
Postgraduate research
Our research degrees give the opportunity to investigate a specific topic in depth among field-leading researchers.
Our research impact
Our research case studies highlight some of the areas where we deliver positive research impact.