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David Lumsdon

Staff picture: David Lumsdon
Environmental and Biochemical Sciences
Environmental and Biochemical Sciences
Honorary Associate
david.lumsdon@hutton.ac.uk
+44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)

The James Hutton Institute
Craigiebuckler
Aberdeen AB15 8QH
Scotland UK

 

David Lumsdon is a Honorary Associate in the Catchment Management research area, with more than 25 years research experience. He initially trained as a soil scientist, and later undertook Post Doctoral studies in the Department of Land Resource Science at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is an expert in soil and aqueous geochemistry, especially coordination chemistry, the surface chemistry of soil mineral and humic colloids, mathematical models of geochemical and transport processes in porous media; molecular simulations of geochemical systems. This knowledge has allowed him study a wide range of topics and to develop improved understanding into the behaviour of chemical elements in terrestrial environments. In particular he is interested to translate the information obtained using advanced analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to provide improved models for chemical interactions in soils. He is an associate editor with the Journal of Geochemical Exploration and acts as a reviewer for several peer reviewed scientific journals.

Current research interests

  • Geochemistry and bioavailabilty of metals in sewage sludge amended soils
  • Soil phosphorus resources and solubility in Scottish soils
  • Phosphorus recovery from waste streams by active filtration through Fe ochre-based filters
  • Geochemistry of micro nutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mo, B) in soils
  • Predicting essential soil functions through the combination of soil databases with advanced soil chemical models
  • Use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction techniques to advance the application of mechanistic soil chemical modelling
  • Challenges related to developing sustainable agriculture, in relation to future fossil fuel and natural resource constraints in a world with increasing population.

Some topics of research conducted earlier in his research career include:

  • Mineral phases controlling aluminium speciation and solubility in acid waters and soils
  • Role of chemical speciation modelling in biological systems (Phosphate-root interactions, metals and micro organisms)
  • Mechanisms and modelling of soil organic carbon interaction on Fe (oxy)hydroxide minerals
  • Geochemical behaviour of As(V), Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in contaminated land
  • Acidification modelling and the transport of dissolved organic carbon to water bodies

Bibliography

  • Evans, L.J.; Barabash, S.J.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Gu, X. (2010) Application of chemical speciation modelling to studies on toxic element behaviour in soils., In: Hooda, P.S. (ed.). Trace Elements in Soils. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK, Chapter 10, pp199-222.
  • Lumsdon, D.G.; Evans, L.J. (2002) Predicting chemical speciation and computer simulation., In: Chemical Speciation in the Environment, (eds. A.M. Ure and C.M. Davidson). Chapter 5, 2nd edition, Blackwell Science, Oxford.
  • Lumsdon, D.G.; Evans, L.J. (1994) Predicting chemical speciation and computer simulation., In: Chemical Speciation in the Environment, Chapter 5, 1st edition. Ure, A.M. and Davidson, C.M. (Eds.). Blackie Academic. Pp 86-134.

  • Avery, L.; Hough, R.L.; Potts, J.; Newman, G.; Lilly, A.; Lumsdon, D.; Abel, C.; Dodd, N.; Cook, Y.; McIntyre, S. (2016) Effect of maintenance and different raw water quality parameters on ultraviolet (UV) disinfection in private water supplies in Scotland., Report CR/2012/01, to Scottish Government, 31 January 2016.
  • Lumsdon, D.G. (2014) Potential use of water treatment derived humic substances as an amendment for use on Scottish agricultural soils., Report to CREW.
  • Sinclair A. H.; Crooks, W.; Edwards, A.C.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Coull, M.C.; Shand, C.A. (2012) Assessing the potential risks to water quality from phosphate leaching., SEPA Contract Number R11123STA, September 2012, pp80.
  • Stutter, M.I.; Baggaley, N.; Barry, C.; Chapman, S.J.; Dawson, J.J.C.; Helliwell, R.C.; Higgins, A.; Howden, N.; Jackson-Blake, L.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Malcolm, I.; Sample, J.; Potts, J.; Worrall, F. (2011) Assessment of the contribution of aquatic carbon fluxes to carbon losses from UK peatlands. Final report, SNIFFER Contract Report ER18, July 2011.
  • Dawson, J.J.C.; Delbos, E.; Hough, R.L.; Lumsdon, D.; Mayes, R.; Watson, H. (2011) Impacts of volcanic ash originating from the April 2010 eruption in Eyjafjallajokull (Iceland) on the natural resources of Scotland., Macaulay Land Use Research Institute website.
  • Smith, P.; Smith, J.; Flyn, H.; Killham, K.; Rangel-Castro, I.; Foereid, B.; Aitkenhead, M.; Chapman, S.; Towers, W.; Bell, J.; Lumsdon, D.; Milne, R.; Thomson, A.; Simmons, I.; Skiba, U.; Reynolds, B.; Evans, C.; Frogbrook, Z.; Bradley, I.; Whitmore, A. (2007) ECOSSE - Estimating carbon in organic soils sequestration and emissions., Report to Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department, Edinburgh, 177pp. ISBN 978 0 7559 1498 2.
  • Paterson, E., Geelhoed, J.S., Meeussen, J.C.L., Lumsdon, D.G. and Farmer, J.G. (2002) Integrated assessment and modelling of soil contaminant behaviour, transport and impact at remediable urban sites: 3. Process-based modelling of the leaching of chromium species from chromite ore processing residue (COPR) - contaminated land., Annual Progress Report for NERC-URGENT Programme, Birmingham.
  • Lumsdon, D.G., Van Beinum, W. and Paterson, E. (2001) New modelling framework for exploring dynamic processes in soils., The Macaulay Institute Annual Report 2000, pp10-15.
  • Paterson, E.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Lilly, A.; Sousa, A. (2000) Fate and transport of organophosphates and pyrethroids in soil., Final Report to SNH Earth Sciences Branch, March 2000.
  • Anderson, H.A.; Lumsdon, D.G. (1999) Speciation of manganese in Kilberry and Eredine raw waters and permeates., Thames Water.
  • Campbell, C.D., Lumsdon, D.G. and Gauld, J.H. (1998) Mine reclamation project, Brazil - a technical review of contract tenders., Highlights of some of the filming for My Food, Our World on The Rowett Institute YouTube Channel, 11 September 2018.
  • Lumsdon, D.G., Meeussen, J.C.L. and Paterson, E. (1997) Modelling the behaviour of metal contaminants in soils from the ICI Pilkington-Sullivan site, Widnes., Final Report, Macaulay Research and Consultancy Services, MRC 409.
  • Paterson, E., Lumsdon, D.G. and Meeussen, J.C.L. (1997) Mineralogical, chemical and physical characterisation of materials from the ICI Pilkington Sullivan site, Widnes., Contract Report to ICI plc. Pollutant Pathways in Soils.
  • Evans, L.J., Bolton, K.A. and Lumsdon, D.G. (1993) Metal retention by soils., Final Report to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, pp1-49.
  • Evans, L.J., Lumsdon, D.G. and Bolton, K.A. (1991) Retention of toxic landfill leachate metals by soils., Submission to Ontario Ministry of the Environment as end of year 1990 progress report, pp. 1-5.

  • Giles, C.D.; George, T.S.; Brown, L.K.; Darch, T.; Blackwell, M.; Menezes-Blackburn, D.; Richardson, A.E.; Shand, C.A.; Wendler, R.; Cooper, P.; Stutter, M.I.; Lumsdon, D.; Wearing, C.; Zhang, H.; Haygarth, P.M. (2017) Complementarity between citrate and phytase exudation enhances acquisition of soil phosphorus by plants., Proceedings of the XVIII International Plant Nutrition Colloquium, Copenhagen, Denmark, 19-24 August 2017. Book of Abstracts, pp122-123.
  • Menezes-Blackburn, D.; Zhang, H.; Courtney, G.; George, T.S.; Shand, C.A.; Lumsdon, D.; Cooper, P.; Wendler, R.; Brown, L.; Stutter, M.; Blackwell, M.; Darch, T.; Wearing, C.; Haygarth, P.M. (2015) Soil phosphorus mobility and solid to solution phase resupply studied by diffusive gradients in thin films: background soil properties driving their variation., European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2015, Vienna, Austria, 12-17 April 2015. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 17, EGU2015-1278.
  • Mezeli, M.; Menezes-Blackburn, D.; Zhang, H.; Giles, C.; George, T.; Shand, C.A.; Lumsdon, D.; Cooper, P.; Wendler, R.; Brown, L.; Stutter, M.I.; Blackwell, M.; Darch, T.; Wearing, C.; Haygarth, P.M. (2015) Effect of citrate on Aspergillus niger phytase adsorption and catalytic activity in soil., European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2015, Vienna, Austria, 12-17 April 2015. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 17, EGU2015-1278.
  • Shand, C.A.; Wendler, R.; Lumsdon, D.; Cooper, P.; George, T.; Brown, L.; Giles, G.; Stutter, M.I; Menezes-Blackburn, D.; Zhang, H.; Wearing, C.; Haygarth, P.; Blackwell, M.; Darch, T. (2015) Determination of soil organic phosphorus exchange sensitivity., European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2015, Vienna, Austria, 12-17 April 2015. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 17, EGU2015-13988.
  • Menezes-Blackburn, D.; Giles, C.; George, T.S.; Shand, C.A.; Lumsdon, D.; Cooper, P.; Wendler, R.; Adu, M.; Brown, L.; Stutter, M.; Blackwell, M.; Wearing, C.; Zhang, H.; Haygarth, P.M. (2014) Exploiting root exudation of organic acids and phytases to enhance plant utilisation of soil phosphorus., 5th International Symposium, Phosphorus in Soils and Plants, Montpellier, France, 26-29 August 2014.
  • Hough, R.L.; Elliott, G.; Avery, L.M.; Coull, M.C.; Shand, C.A.; Lumsdon, D.; Campbell, C.D (2013) Environmental factors and Johne’s disease - results and guidance., Learning the Lessons for Disease Control - Stobshiel, East Lothian, Scotland, 16 May 2013.
  • Hough, R.L.; Elliott, G.; Avery, L.M.; Coull, M.C.; Shand, C.A.; Lumsdon, D.; Campbell, C.D. (2013) Environmental factors and Johne’s disease - results and guidance., Learning the Lessons for Disease Control - Ballintomb, Dulnain Bridge, Scotland, 16 May 2013.
  • Hough, R.L.; Elliott, G.; Avery, L.M.; Coull, M.C.; Shand, C.A.; Lumsdon, D.; Campbell, C.D. (2013) Environmental factors and Johne’s disease - results and guidance., Learning the Lessons for Disease Control - Overcairn, New Cumnock, Scotland, 7 June 2013.
  • Hough, R.L.; Elliott, G.; Avery, L.M.; Coull, M.C.; Shand, C.A.; Lumsdon, D.; Campbell, C.D. (2013) Environmental factors and Johne’s disease - results and guidance., Learning the Lessons for Disease Control - Torr Farm, Castle Douglas, Scotland, 30 April 2013.
  • Shand, C.A.; Stutter, M.I.; George, T.S; Lumsdon, D.G.; Blackwell, M.S.A; Bol, R; Haygarth, P.M; Condron, L; Richardson, A.E.; Turner, B.L. (2012) Can soil organic phosphorus reduce reliance on mineral fertilisers?, 3rd Sustainable Phosphorus Summit 2012, Sydney, Australia, 29 February - 2 March 2012.
  • Walker, R.L.; Oborn, I.; Bertilsson, J.; Campbell, C.D.; Coull, M.C.; Dahlin, A.S.; Edwards, A.C.; Eriksson, J.; Frankow-Lindberg, B.E.; Hillier, S.; Lindstrom, B.; Linse, L.; Ramezanian, A.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Shand, C.; Sinclair, A.H.; Watson, C.A.; Wivstad, M. (2010) Micronutrient strategies in organic systems: using local and site specific resources to improve crop and livestock quality., Proceedings of 15th World Fertilizer Congress of the International Scientific Centre for Fertilizers (CIEC), Romania, 29 August - 2 September 2010.
  • Stutter, M.I.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Futter, M.N.; Watson, H. (2009) Dissolved organic carbon release from UK organic soils in response to fourteen years of environmental change., In: Predicting the Future for Highly Organic Soils, British Society of Soil Science, Spring Conference, Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, 5-7 May 2009.
  • Zetsche, E.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Witte, U. (2008) Temporal variation in sediment permeability changes the metabolic functioining of estuarine sands., 10th International Estuarine Biogeochemistry Symposium, Estuaries in a Changing World, Xiamen, China, 18-22 May 2008.
  • Farmer, J.G.; Hillier, S.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Graham, M.C.; Bewley, R.J.F. (2007) The assessment and remediation of chromite ore processing residue at former disposal sites, Glasgow, Scotland: current status., In: Geotechnics of Waste Management and Remediation (eds. M.V. Khire, A.K. Alshawabkeh and K.R. Reddy), ASCE Geotech. Spec. Pubn. No. 177, 740-747.
  • Graham, M.C., Farmer, J.G., Anderson, J., Paterson, E., Hillier, S.J., Lumsdon, D.G. and Bewley, R.J.F. (2005) Calcium polysulfide remediation of hexavalent chromium contamination from chromite ore processing residue., Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health Conference, Glasgow, 2005. Oral presentation.
  • Stutter, M.I.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Cooper, R.J.; Clark, L.M. (2004) Seasonal dynamics of dissolved organic matter release from organic moorland soils., Eurosoils 2004 Congress, Freiburg, Germany, 6-12 September 2004.
  • Cooper, R.J.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Stutter, M.I. (2003) Determining controls on the dynamics of dissolved organic carbon in soils at upland ECN sites; an integrated approach., British Ecological Society Annual Meeting, Manchester Metropolitan University, 9-11 September 2003. Oral presentation.
  • Evans, L.J.; Sengdy, B.; Lumsdon, D.G. (2001) Cadmium adsorption by an organic soil: a comparison of metal complexation models., In: Proceedings of the International Conference on the Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements, 6th, Guelph, Canada, p194.
  • Van Beinum, W.G.; Meeussen, J.C.L.; Lumsdon, D.G. (2001) Modelling reactive solute transport in structured soil: simulation with a synthetic model system., Environmental Flows; Are there any scales for solute and pollutant transport? Measurement, models and management. SCRI, Dundee, 26-27 March 2001. Abstract.
  • Lumsdon, D.G. (2000) Modelling metal binding by mineral-humic mixtures., Proceedings of the International Meeting of the International Humic Substances Society, 10th, Toulouse, 24-28 July 2000. Volume 1, p465.
  • Geelhoed, J.S.; Meeussen, J.C.L.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Thomas, R.P.T.; Farmer, J.G.; Paterson, E. (2000) Modelling of chromium behaviour and transport at sites contaminated with chromite ore processing residue and implications for remediation methods., Environmental Chromium Contamination and Remediation, Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health Conference, Glasgow, 11-12 September, 2000.
  • Lumsdon, D.G.; Meeussen, J.C.L. (2000) Combined surface complexation models for mineral and humic substances to model metal binding by soils., EuroSoil 2000, British Society Soil Science Conference, University of Reading, 4-6 September 2000.
  • Towers, W., Paterson, E., Lumsdon, D.G., Meeussen, J.C.L. and Taylor, A.G. (1997) The sensitivity of Scottish soils to heavy metal inputs., Proceedings of Soil Protection Meeting, Organized by Scottish Soils Discussion Group.
  • Farmer, V.C. and Lumsdon, D.G. (1993) Solubility characteristics of proto-imogolite soils., 10th International Clay Conference, Adelaide, Australia, 1993.
  • Evans, L.J., Lumsdon, D.G. and Bolton, K.A. (1991) The influence of pH and Chloride on the retention of zinc, lead, cadmium and mercury by soil., Proceedings Environmental Research: Technology Transfer Conference. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, pp123-130.

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