Author: seclpa

Scientific Research

by seclpa, posted in Scientific Research

Dominic Joel Ombati.

My PhD research is on Fate and Transport of Anthropogenic Lead (Pb) along the Arid Section of Route 66, San Bernardino County California.

Fate and transport research project can be defined as the study of how chemicals degrade and where they travel in the environment when they are released intentionally or unintentionally. Transport is how chemicals move through the air, water and soil and fate is how the chemicals change in the environment  https://energyenvironment.pnnl.gov/projects/project_description.asp?id=177.

According to the United Nations environmental program, lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that is toxic even at very low exposure levels and has acute and chronic effects on human health. In the environment, lead is also toxic to plants, animals and micro-organisms. Lead (Pb) can originate from human activities (anthropogenic) or from natural sources (geogenic).

Lead (Pb) poisoning occurs when humans especially children are exposed even to low levels of lead (Pb). Lead (Pb) poisoning is a serious health problem globally and almost every county in United States has a childhood lead (Pb) poisoning prevention program.

In my study area, anthropogenic lead (Pb) along highways is mainly from leaded gasoline and it was deposited during the leaded gasoline era. My PhD research focuses on the following projects:

  1. Spatial distribution and surface transport mechanism of anthropogenic lead (Pb) along the arid section of Route 66 San Bernardino County, California.
  2. Lead (Pb) chemical fractionation along the arid section of Route 66 San Bernardino County, California.

I received partial funding for this research from the Geological Society of America (GSA) Graduate Student Research Grant Program in 2017. Grant Number: 11828-17.

In most cases dust from disturbed or deteriorating lead-based paint on the walls, doors and windows of a home is the main cause of child lead (Pb) poisoning https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=34&po=5. Studies carried out in Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia found some paints sold for home use containing extremely high lead levels of up to 100,000 parts per million (ppm) or more http://www.ipen.org/documents/africa-lead-paint. These concentrations are several times more than the 90 ppm United Nations recommended limit of lead (Pb) in paint.

Sustainable remediation of lead (Pb) contaminated environment requires a good understanding of lead (Pb) transport mechanism and its chemical behavior in various environmental media. It is generally recognized that lead (Pb)  mobility, toxicity, and bioavailability depend heavily on its chemical form (Davidson et al., 1998; Gleyzes et al., 2002; Kaasalainen and Yli-Halla, 2003; Rauret et al., 1999; Sutherland and Tack, 2003).  Understanding  lead (Pb) transport mechanism and chemical  behavior  of various chemical forms of lead (Pb) as related to mobility, toxicity and bioavailability is crucial for the sustainable management of  Lead (Pb) contaminated environment.

Sustainable lead (Pb) remediation of Lead requires solid scientific research on:

  1. Lead (Pb) transport mechanism- how it moves in the environmental (Transport)
  2. Lead (Pb) chemical fractionation – chemical change in the environment  (Fate)

References

Davidson, C. M., Duncan, A. L., Littlejohn, D., Ure, A. M., and Garden, L. M., 1998, A critical evaluation of the three-stage BCR sequential extraction procedure to assess the potential mobility and toxicity of heavy metals in industrially-contaminated land: Analytica Chimica Acta, v. 363, no. 1, p. 45-55.

Gleyzes, C., Tellier, S., and Astruc, M., 2002, Fractionation studies of trace elements in contaminated soils and sediments: a review of sequential extraction procedures: TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, v. 21, no. 6, p. 451-467.

Kaasalainen, M., and Yli-Halla, M., 2003, Use of sequential extraction to assess metal partitioning in soils: Environmental Pollution, v. 126, no. 2, p. 225-233.

Rauret,G., López-Sánchez, J., Sahuquillo, A., Rubio, R., Davidson, C., Ure, A., and Quevauviller, P., 1999, Improvement of the BCR three step sequential extraction procedure prior to the certification of new sediment and soil reference materials: Journal of Environmental Monitoring, v. 1, no. 1, p. 57-61.

Sutherland, R. A., and Tack, F. M., 2003, Fractionation of Cu, Pb and Zn in certified reference soils SRM 2710 and SRM 2711 using the optimized BCR sequential extraction procedure: Advances in Environmental Research, v. 8, no. 1, p. 37-50.

Regional report on  lead in solvent-based paints for home use in Africa, October 2017 http://www.ipen.org/documents/africa-lead-paint.

Educational Outreach

by seclpa, posted in Educational Outreach

Dominic Joel Ombati

According to the United Nations environmental program, lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that is toxic even at very low exposure levels and has acute and chronic effects on human health. In the environment, lead is also toxic to plants, animals and micro-organisms. Lead (Pb) can originate from human activities (anthropogenic) or from natural sources (geogenic).

Lead (Pb) poisoning occurs when humans especially children are exposed even to low levels of lead (Pb). Lead (Pb) poisoning is a serious health problem globally and almost every county in United States has a childhood lead (Pb) poisoning prevention program.

Studies carried out in Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia found some paints sold for home use containing extremely high lead levels of up to 100,000 parts per million (ppm) or more http://www.ipen.org/documents/africa-lead-paint. These concentrations are several times more than the 90 ppm United Nations recommended limit of lead (Pb) in paint.

Many people know so little or nothing about lead (Pb) poisoning. To create awareness on this health problem, I have developed an educational outreach program which has now  more than 10,000 followers living in 23 countries including United States. Most of my audience is from sub Saharan Africa which has the worst childhood lead (Pb) poisoning but with almost no awareness. To the best of my knowledge, this program is the first of its kind in addressing childhood lead (Pb) poisoning in sub Saharan Africa through social media network sites. My educational outreach is through this website which is connected to a Facebook page and group.

  1. Facebook page link is https://www.facebook.com/informationonchildhoodlead/
  2. Facebook group  link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/192851454804217/

Facebook page and group above provide information on childhood lead poisoning. The page is linked to a group under different names. The  Facebook group and the links below allows you to access free downloadable pdf materials on child lead (Pb) poisoning for use and sharing with the hope of reaching as many people as possible.

The pdf materials below on childhood lead (Pb) poisoning are sourced from California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB). These pdf materials can only be used and shared for educational purposes only and they should not be altered without permission from California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB).

kids-learn-better-lead-free-1Download
protect-your-child Download
keep-your-newborn-safe-from-leadDownload
protect-your-child-from-leadDownload
making-your-home-lead-safe-for-your-childDownload
is-there-lead-in-or-around-your-home_Download
is-your-child-at-risk-for-lead-poisoning_Download
prevent-childhood-lead-poisoningDownload
find-the-lead-sourcesDownload
protect-your-child-from-lead-in-paintDownload
protect-your-child-from-lead-in-dirtDownload
dust-and-dirt-with-lead-can-hurtDownload
lead-in-traditional-ceramic-dishwareDownload
do-you-cook-with-traditional-pottery_-it-may-contain-leadDownload
lead-in-folk-remediesDownload
has-your-child-been-treated-for-stomach-ache_Download
protect-your-child-from-lead-in-jewelryDownload
do-you-use-firearms-learn-how-to-protect-your-family-from-lead-exposureDownload
lead-in-tap-waterDownload
keeping-your-child-safe-from-lead-and-other-heavy-metals-in-baby-foodsDownload
most-surma-has-leadDownload
make-healthier-choicesDownload
well-fed-less-leadDownload
getting-your-child-tested-for-leadDownload
repainting-or-fixing-up-your-older-home_Download
dont-take-lead-home-from-your-jobDownload
protect-your-family-from-lead-on-the-jobDownload

Author Profile

by seclpa, posted in Author profile

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME:  Dominic Joel Ombati.                      

CURRENT POSITION

PhD Earth Science candidate at Loma Linda University Department of Earth and Biological Sciences, California, USA.

ACADEMIC PREPARATION

2016 – Present:    LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY, USA

PhD candidate in Earth Science.

2012 – 2016:    LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY, USA  

Master of Science in Geology.

2006- 2010:    BUGEMA UNIVERSITY, UGANDA

Bachelor of Science with Education (Biology Education).

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

  1. Google Project Management professional Certificate

This is a professional certificate course offered by Google through Coursera. This 27-week certificate course is developed and taught by Google program managers. This certification course focuses on all aspects of program management. Courses covered include Foundations of Project Management, Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project, Project Planning: Putting It All Together, Project Execution: Running the Project, Agile Project Management, and Applying Project Management in the Real World. My PhD research has a project that requires professional level skills in project management.

2. Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate

This is a professional certificate course offered by Google through Coursera. Those who earn the Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate have completed seven-courses, developed by Google, that include hands-on, practice-based assessments and are designed to prepare them for entry-level roles in the field. They are competent in foundational skills in digital marketing and e-commerce. One of my PhD research projects involves public awareness that require professional level skills in digital marketing.

3. Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate

This is a certification program for digital marketing offered by Meta (Facebook). This credential is awarded to entry-level digital marketers who have foundational proficiency in the skills, tools, advertising policies and best practices required to buy ads on the Facebook App, Instagram, and Messenger. One of my PhD research projects involves public awareness that requires professional level skills in digital marketing.

WORK AND VOLUNTEERING HISTORY

Research Assistant at Loma Linda University, USA . 2012- 2020

My role was conducting scientific research under the guidance of my supervisor. The scientific research was on sedimentology and environmental geology. My work on sedimentology started in 2012 and it involved intense laboratory work and several field research in the Mojave Desert near Death Valley where I studied the sedimentology of the Neoproterozoic Kingston Peak Formation. My sedimentology work earned me a Master of Science degree in Geology in 2016.

I started my work on Environmental geology in fall 2016 for my PhD degree in Earth Science. This work also involved intense laboratory work and several field research along Route 66 near Barstow, California where I studied the Fate and Transport of Anthropogenic lead (Pb) that was deposited during the leaded gasoline era. The field research and laboratory work of my environmental geology is complete and currently am writing my PhD dissertation with goal of graduating in summer 2023.

I have volunteered to work on my educational outreach program on childhood lead (Pb) poisoning since 2018. My personal educational outreach is through social media and a personal website. My responsibilities include website creation and management, social media program promotion, content creation and dissemination. This is my ongoing long-term project.

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

  1. Member in the Project Management Institute (PMI).
  2. Member in the Geological Society of America (GSA).
  3. Member in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG).
  4. Member in the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

SERVICE TO PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

2022: Serving as a committee member in the Diversity and Inclusion  committee of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)

RESEARCH INTEREST

1. Integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) with project management and digital marketing

STEM is full of projects that require project management skills. STEM is the foundation of our society and digital marketing can expand its boundaries. My PhD research in environmental geology has projects that require professional level skills in project management. One of my PhD research projects involves public awareness and outreach that require professional level skills in digital marketing.

2. Integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) with finance.

I have developed a simplified system that integrates STEM with finance. The system is a low cost simplified financial market data analytic tool.

3. Environmental Geoscience/Geology & Health:

Fate and Transport of Anthropogenic Lead (Pb) along the Arid Section of Route 66, San Bernardino County California.

4. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy:

Sedimentology of the Neoproterozoic Sedimentary Successions in Mojave Desert, California, USA. https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1397&context=etd.

GRANTS RECEIVED

2017: Received US $ 870 grant from the Geological Society of America (GSA) Graduate Student Research grant program to fund my PhD research on Fate and Transport of Natural and Anthropogenic Lead (Pb) in Arid Environment, San Bernardino County, California. Grant Number: 11828-17.

2017: Received US $ 500 travel grant and full meeting registration valued at $130 from the Geological Society of America (GSA) On To the Future (OTF) travel grant program to attend and present scientific poster at the Geological Society of America 2017 annual meeting in Seattle, Washington.

2017: Received US $ 125 travel grant from the Geological Society of America (GSA) Cordilleran section travel grants program to attend and present scientific poster at the Geological Society of America 2017 annual meeting in Seattle, Washington.

2017: Received US $ 500 stipend from the Geological Society of America (GSA) to attend a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded workshop organized by the experts in the field of Geoscience and Higher Education on Mentoring and Diversity in Earth System Science at Sheraton Seattle, Washington. This workshop was held at the conclusion of the 2017 Geological Society of America annual meeting in Seattle, Washington. 

AWARDS RECEIVED

2015: Received Lathrop award from Loma Linda University Department of Earth and Biological Sciences for the presentation of a scientific research poster at the pacific section meeting of American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) in Oxnard, California. This award includes a certificate and cash award of $ 150.

2016: Received Lathrop award from Loma Linda University Department of Earth and Biological Sciences for the presentation of a scientific research poster at the Cordilleran section meeting of the Geological Society of America (GSA) in Ontario, California. This award includes a certificate and cash award of $ 150.

2017: Received Grant award from Loma Linda University Department of Earth and Biological Sciences for receiving a scientific research grant from the Geological Society of America (GSA) Graduate Student Research grant program. This award includes a certificate and cash award of $ 150.

2018: Received Lathrop award from Loma Linda University Department of Earth and Biological Sciences for the presentation of a scientific research poster at the Geological Society of America 2017 annual meeting in Seattle, Washington. This award includes a certificate and cash award of $ 150.

2018: Received Grant award from Loma Linda University Department of Earth and Biological Sciences for receiving  two travel grants from the Geological Society of America (GSA) On To the Future (OTF) travel grant program  and Geological Society of America (GSA) Cordilleran section travel grant to attend and present scientific poster at the Geological Society of America 2017 annual meeting in Seattle, Washington. This award includes a certificate and cash award of $ 150.

 ABSTRACTS/CONFERENCE PAPERS AT THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA (GSA) WEBSITE

1. Transport Mechanism of the Anthropogenic Lead Along I40 Near Barstow, California.

https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2017AM/webprogram/Paper307634.htm

2. Sedimentology of the Neoproterozoic Beck Spring – Kingston Peak Transition in The Kingston Range, California.

https://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2016CD/webprogram/Paper274620.html.

ABSTRACT/CONFERENCE PAPER AT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGISTS (AAPG) WEBSITE

1. Sedimentology of the Neoproterozoic Beck Spring – Kingston Peak Transition in The Kingston Range, California.

http://www.searchanddiscovery.com/abstracts/html/2015/90215pacsec/abstracts/S07.1.03.html.

THESIS

2016:   Sedimentology of Kingston Peak Formation KP1 Beds in Beck Canyon Region, Kingston Range, California. (Master of Science degree in geology thesis at Loma Linda University, USA.).

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1397&context=etd.

PRESENTATIONS AT SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS

1. Made a scientific poster presentation in 2015 at the pacific section meeting of American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) in Oxnard, California.

2.Made a scientific poster presentation in 2016 at the Cordilleran section meeting of the Geological Society of America (GSA) in Ontario, California.

3.Made a scientific poster presentation in 2017 at the Geological Society of America (GSA) annual meeting in Seattle, Washington.

CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

2013:  Attended annual ArcGIS user conference organized by ESRI in San Diego, California.

2017:  Participated in a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded workshop organized by the Geological Society of America (GSA) on Mentoring and Diversity in Earth System Science at Sheraton hotel Seattle, Washington.

SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION

I have developed a simplified system that integrates STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) with finance.  The system is a low cost simplified financial market data analytic tool. The analytical system consists of four sub systems that are able to track trends in the USA financial markets. The system has a big commercial value because it offers clear data based insights on stocks, options, Exchange Traded Funds(ETF), and crypto assets.

PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

1. Through social media and personal website, I have developed a public education program on childhood lead (Pb) poisoning  https://seclpa.com/2018/02/12/educational-outreach/. Childhood lead (Pb) poisoning is a health problem related to my research on Fate and Transport of Anthropogenic (Pb) in the Arid Environment, San Bernardino County, California. Many people know so little or nothing about lead (Pb) poisoning.  To create awareness on this health problem, I have developed an educational outreach program which has more than 10,000 followers living in 23 countries including United States. Most of my audience is from sub Saharan Africa which has the worst childhood lead (Pb) poisoning but with almost no awareness. To the best of my knowledge, this program is the first of its kind in addressing childhood lead (Pb) poisoning in sub Saharan Africa. My educational outreach segment is connected to a personal website, Facebook page, and Facebook group. Personal website link is https://seclpa.com/2018/02/12/educational-outreach/. Facebook page link is https://www.facebook.com/informationonchildhoodlead/.Facebook group  link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/192851454804217/.

2. On January 29, 2018, I made an oral presentation on my scientific lead (Pb) research at the Riverside County lead (Pb) and healthy homes collaborative meeting in Riverside, California.

SCIENTIFIC LABORATORY EXPERIENCE AND ANALYTICAL PROFICIENCY

Laboratory experience since 2012 in sedimentary geology and environmental geoscience/ medical geology with analytical proficiency in X-ray diffraction, Microwave Plasma- Atomic Emission Spectrometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, thin sectioning, particle size analysis, magnetic susceptibility and point counting.