CMI researchers at Colorado School of Mines conducted the research for this highlight
Innovation
Integrating solubility measurements with aquatic toxicity testing (ASTM E1193-20) explored limits on rare earth element (REE) ecological impacts.
Achievement
New graduate student student determined that soluble concentrations of dysprosium (Dy) and neodymium (Nd) (added as chlorides) are limited to less than 10 mM in the aquatic test media used with the freshwater ecotoxicity indicator, Daphnia magna. At these levels no toxicity was observed, in contrast to copper (Cu), which showed up to 100% mortality within this range.
Significance and Impact
Based on our experimental results, Dy & Nd appear far less likely to pose an aquatic ecotoxicity hazard compared to Cu.
Hub Target Addressed
- Assessing economic, environmental, and social acceptance impacts.
- Supporting workforce development.
