Redox flow batteries (RFBs) offer promising solutions for large-scale energy storage, boasting high-power density, scalability, and safety. Despite their potential, current RFBs face challenges like resource constraints and high costs. Aqueous organic RFBs could address these issues if expenses are reduced. This study optimizes a promising total aqueous organic RFB chemistry using cost-effective and sustainable materials. Specifically, utilizing (SPr)2V as an anolyte and 4-HO-TEMPO as a catholyte, with benign KCl as the supporting electrolyte functioning through an anion exchange mechanism. (SPr)2V, derived from the viologen class, shows promise due to its high solubility, negative redox potential, and ability to accept 2e- reversibly. The objectives include understanding viologen species degradation, characterization of the degraded products, exploring oxygen and pH susceptibility, and enhancing its performance through modifications like alternative supporting salt anions. This study aims to double the compound's storage capacity by leveraging its 2nd electron. The findings will reveal low-capacity fade rates under certain parameters, with insights into the effects of oxygen, concentration, heating, and pH on dimerization and capacity loss. This study assesses the electrochemical properties using cyclic voltammetry and rotating disk electrode voltammetry. The (Spr)2V/4-HO-TEMPO ARFB has an exceptionally high cell voltage, 1.25 V (1e-) and 1.9 V (2e-). Prototypes of the organic ARFB can be operated at high current densities ranging from 20 to 100 mA cm-2 and deliver stable capacity for 100 cycles with 99+% Coulombic efficiency. This research could pave the way for cost-effective organic−organometallic RFBs, facilitating grid-scale electricity storage and renewable energy integration. 

This poster presents a novel approach to wildlife monitoring using biomimetic robotics by integrating taxidermy into both aquatic and aerial systems. By combining the design principles of a swimming taxidermy duck robot and a flapping-wing drone, this study explores non-intrusive methods for ecological surveillance. The swimming duck robot leverages the natural locomotion and appearance of a Mallard duck to discreetly navigate wetland environments, utilizing 3D-printed components and integrated sensors for environmental data collection. Meanwhile, the flapping-wing aerial system employs a taxidermied Mallard as the base for a drone that mimics realistic bird flight, enhancing stealth and minimizing disruption to wildlife. This aerial design incorporates a custom gearbox to achieve lifelike wing motion, supported by aerodynamic analysis to optimize lift and drag performance. Both systems demonstrate the potential of using biomimicry for seamless integration into natural habitats, reducing ecological impact while maintaining effective data-gathering capabilities. The integration of these two platforms provides a comprehensive solution for multi-environment monitoring, advancing the field of biomimetic robotics and wildlife observation. Future work will focus on enhancing durability, waterproofing, and control mechanisms to improve operational efficiency and adaptability. 

From observations using a methane sensor mounted on the roof of Workman Center on NMT campus, there emerge clear patterns in methane concentration throughout the day. In particular, there appears to be generally higher concentration throughout the evening and night, and a lower concentration in the early afternoon. Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas most prominently found near the surface in our atmosphere. It makes up 0.00018% of the Earth’s atmosphere and is well mixed. The purpose of this project is to better understand the emission of methane from a variety of sources, including academic sources. It is possible that the measured distribution of methane might be from nocturnal sources or from local accumulation as a result of atmospheric dynamics. In order to understand these emission sources, methane observations over time in conjunction with other atmospheric data, such as wind, temperature, and other trace gas concentration data will be used to determine the properties of the local atmosphere during times of high and low methane to identify patterns and potential sources. The results of this investigation will be presented during the symposium. 

The aquatic environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs) has been an emerging threat to whole biosphere. MPs undergo physiochemical degradation in the environment which alter the surface characteristics such as porosity and charge, ultimately converting them as vectors of various chemical and biological pollutants such as heavy metals, toxic polymers, pharmaceuticals, pesticides etc. by adsorbing them through numerous mechanisms from the surrounding cocktail. Hence, these contaminated MPs can be considered as silent killers which cause complex health issues in humans as well as adverse impacts on the entire planet. Therefore, detection and separation of contaminated MPs with heavy metals and other pollutants is a crucial requirement. This study investigates the acoustic behavior of selected heavy metals adsorbed synthetic microplastics and MPs derived from common plastic sources, using acoustofluidic devices fabricated from microfabrication techniques and steel tubes. The adsorption of heavy metals onto MPs was confirmed through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy analysis. Acoustofluidics is a simple powerful technology which enhances the automation, high accuracy, precision, rapid real time analysis and low cost. We observed that heavy metal-adsorbed MPs exhibit different acoustofluidic behavior compared to metal-free MPs, making their separation challenging. However, we discovered that a simple calcium pre-treatment can standardize the acoustofluidic behavior of MPs, facilitating uniform separation regardless of metal adsorption. These findings provide valuable insights for developing acoustic-based technologies aimed at isolating heavy metal-contaminated MPs from various water bodies, contributing to more efficient water purification strategies. In this presentation, we will further discuss significant findings achieved. 

This study evaluates the CO₂ storage potential of the SJD fractured granite reservoir through advanced reactive transport modeling, focusing on the impacts of fracture-matrix heterogeneity and pre-existing fluids. The shallow Precambrian granite system presents unique challenges for carbon sequestration, including fracture-dominated flow pathways, weathered matrix, and native CO₂ accumulation. The study hypothesizes that while fracture networks control initial plume migration, the weathered matrix dominates long-term trapping, and that pre-existing CO₂ reduces mineral trapping while enhancing solubility trapping through brine acidification. The study employs CMG-GEM to model multi-phase flow and geochemical reactions between injected CO₂, formation fluids, and reservoir minerals. The model incorporates fracture-matrix mass transfer, key mineral reactions such as feldspar dissolution and carbonate precipitation, and caprock stability assessment under CO₂ exposure. Results demonstrate that fractures account for most early-stage CO₂ migration, while capillary trapping in the matrix contributes to long-term storage capacity. Pre-existing CO₂ reduces available mineral trapping surfaces but enhances solubility trapping through brine acidification. The clay-rich caprock shows localized alteration at high-flux zones while maintaining overall integrity. These findings confirm that fractured granite reservoirs can serve as effective CO₂ storage sites when injection strategies are optimized for their dual-porosity characteristics and in-situ fluid chemistry. The study provides critical insights for operational deployment in basement reservoirs, highlighting the need to balance fracture-dominated injectivity with matrix-dependent trapping while monitoring long-term caprock stability. This work establishes a framework for assessing CO₂ storage potential in complex fractured systems with pre-existing fluids. 

The Rio Grande is experiencing increased drought duration and severity due to climate change, inducing changing stream flows. Developing a well-parametrized model is essential to inform water management strategies, particularly in the San Acacia reach – the final reach of the middle Rio Grande before streamflow is delivered to Texas under the Rio Grande Compact. The existing hydrological model developed by the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) remains largely unconstrained in the mixed discharge sources (return flows from irrigation, regional aquifers, and deep basin brines) and aquifer geometries. This study aims to provide critical data on the model domain and its boundary conditions, focusing on groundwater interactions with the Low Flow Conveyance Channel (LFCC) and the river in the Socorro, San Marcial, and Engle Basins. Differential and radon concentration drainage surveys will be conducted to estimate groundwater discharge. Water quality and environmental tracer sampling will support the development of a quantitative mixing model for groundwater fluxes into the LFCC. Water samples collected throughout the irrigation season (pre-, early, mid-, and late irrigation, as well as mid-monsoon) will be analysed for major ions, 87Sr/86Sr, 222Rn, 𝛿18O, and 𝛿2H. The data collected will improve model calibration and increase its robustness. Accurate modelling will aid water delivery management and support habitat restoration for the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow. This presentation will include preliminary data from the first sampling campaign. 

Gadolinium (Gd) contamination in water bodies, primarily from gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) used in MRI procedures, has become a growing environmental and public health concern. After excretion, GBCAs pass through wastewater treatment systems, entering surface and groundwater, where Gd³⁺ ions—more toxic than GBCAs—pose potential risks to human health. Accurate measurement of Gd speciation is critical, but standardized protocols for sample collection and preservation are lacking. This study investigates the impact of preservation methods such as temperature control, pH adjustment, and filtration on Gd speciation stability in environmental water samples. Various water types, including deionized water, tap water, and Rio Grande River water, will be tested over time to analyze Gd concentrations and speciation using ICP-MS and IC-ICP-MS. Samples will be spiked with Gd³⁺ and seven GBCAs to evaluate their behavior under different conditions. It is hypothesized that refrigerated, filtered, and non-acidified samples will best preserve Gd speciation, with filtration particularly important for river water by removing particulates and microbes that could accelerate Gd dechelation. After identifying the best preservation method, the study will assess Gd contamination in New Mexico through targeted sampling and explore potential connections between Gd contamination in water and its presence in irrigated crops, to evaluate the risk of Gd entering the food chain. The findings will provide evidence-based guidelines for preserving Gd in water samples, improving Gd contamination monitoring and supporting effective risk assessments and regulatory policies.