Biography
Prof Burton leads the Environmental Geochemistry & Mineralogy research group in the Faculty of Science & Engineering at Southern Cross University. Research in this group explores metal(loid)-mineral-microbe interactions in environmental systems through an integration of experiments, modelling and field studies.
Research
Prof Burton's research has made a significant contribution to understanding the geochemical and mineralogical controls on iron, sulfur and contaminant dynamics in geo-environments (including acid sulfate soils, contaminated sites and mining waste). He is particularly interested in how mineral formation and evolution over time and space affects the environmental mobility of trace metals and metalloids (such as arsenic, antimony and chromium). His research findings have application in preserving and improving soil, sediment and water quality and in the rehabilitation of degraded landscapes and contaminated sites.
Other
Prof Burton also serves as Editor of the Journal of Hazardous Materials. This is one of Elsevier’s flagship journals in the environmental pollution/remediation field, with an impact factor of >13. As an Editor, Prof Burton handles 400-600 papers annually on the environmental behaviour, fate and management of hazardous inorganic contaminants.