About the Lab
We investigate the behavior of elements and materials in natural and engineered environments, with a focus on processes occurring at the micro- to nanoscale.
Our research integrates environmental geochemistry, geomicrobiology, and advanced analytical techniques to understand how minerals, particles, and radioactive materials form, transform, and evolve.
By combining field studies, laboratory experiments, and atomic-scale observations, we aim to bridge microscopic mechanisms with broader environmental and geological processes.
Our work contributes to addressing key challenges such as environmental contamination and nuclear waste management.
Research Overview
Our research aims to understand the behavior of materials in environmental and geological systems by linking atomic-scale processes to macroscopic phenomena. We focus on fundamental mechanisms that control the fate of elements, with applications to environmental sustainability, nuclear waste management, and critical mineral resources.
1. Environmental Geochemistry
We investigate the chemical behavior of elements in natural environments, including water–rock interactions, trace element mobility, and redox processes. Our work aims to understand how contaminants and nutrients are transported and transformed in environmental systems.
2. Radiological Materials and Nuclear Waste
We study radioactive particles and materials relevant to nuclear waste management, including those derived from nuclear accidents such as Fukushima. Our research focuses on their formation, structure, and long-term stability in environmental and geological settings.
3. Nanoscale Characterization
We use advanced analytical techniques, such as electron microscopy and spectroscopy, to characterize materials at the nano- to atomic scale. These approaches allow us to directly observe structures and processes that control material behavior.
4. Nanoscale Geoscience of Critical Minerals and Noble Metals
We investigate the formation and distribution of critical minerals and noble metals at the nanoscale. Our research provides insights into how these elements are concentrated and transformed, contributing to resource exploration and sustainable utilization.
5. Geomicrobiology
We explore the roles of microorganisms in geochemical processes, including mineral formation and dissolution, and microbe–mineral interactions that influence element cycling and environmental behavior.
Fieldwork & Lab Activities
Research Highlights
Latest News
Recent Publications
You Cheng Khng, Gianni F. Vettese, Satoshi Utsunomiya, Joyce W. L. Ang, Jessica M. Walker, Julia Parker, Thomas Neill, Katherine Morris, Liam Abrahamsen–Mills, Mirkka Sarparanta, and Gareth T. W. Law (2025).
Chemical alteration of UO₂ micro-particles in model lung systems.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 139670.
Chenxi Li, Linjie Wang, Qi Dai, Yang Chong, Satoshi Utsunomiya, Honggui Wang, Ya Zhang, and Jie Han (2025).
Chiral pesticide permethrin promotes the antibiotic resistance genes dissemination by transformation: Different chiral isomers engage in distinct regulatory pathways.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 488, 137416.
Miyazaki, K., M. Takehara, K. Minomo, K. Horie, S. Yamasaki, T. Saito, T. Ohnuki, M. Takano, H. Shiotsu, H. Iwata, G. F. Vettese, M. P. Sarparanta, G. T. W. Law, B. Grambow, R. C. Ewing, and Satoshi Utsunomiya (2024).
“Invisible” radioactive cesium atoms revealed: Pollucite inclusion in cesium-rich microparticles (CsMPs) from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 470, 134104.
Ang, J. W. L., A. Bongrand, S. Duval, J. Donnard, E. M. Jolis, Satoshi Utsunomiya, K. Minomo, R. Koivula, M. Siitari-Kauppi, and G. T. W. Law (2024).
Detecting radioactive particles in complex environmental samples using real-time autoradiography.
Scientific Reports, 14(1), 5413.
Ang, J. W. L., A. Bongrand, S. Duval, J. Donnard, J. Parkkonen, Satoshi Utsunomiya, R. Koivula, M. Siitari-Kauppi, and G. T. W. Law (2023).
Improved radio-cesium detection using quantitative real-time autoradiography.
ACS Omega, 8(25), 22523–22535.
Join Our Lab
Graduate & Undergraduate Students
We welcome students who are interested in environmental geochemistry, geomicrobiology, and nanoscale materials research.
歡迎對環境地球化學、地球微生物學及奈米尺度材料研究有興趣的學生參與。我們的工作包括實地調查、實驗室研究及先進材料分析。
環境地球化学、地球微生物学、ナノスケール材料研究に興味のある学生を歓迎します。
Research Assistants (RAs)
Positions are available depending on the availability of research funding. RAs will assist in ongoing projects, including nanoscale characterization, nuclear waste management studies, and geochemical investigations.
視研究經費取得狀況而定，提供RA職位。RA將協助進行進行中計畫，包括奈米尺度材料分析、核廢料管理研究以及地球化學調查等。
研究費の取得状況に応じてポジションを提供します。RAは、ナノスケール解析、核廃棄物管理研究、地球化学的調査などの進行中プロジェクトに参加していただきます。
