Prof. Frank J. Millero
RSMAS/MAC
University of Miami
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149
Telephone: 305.421.4707
Fax: 305.421.4144
fmillero@rsmas.miami.edu

My major research interests are in the application of physical chemical principles to natural waters (go to Marine Physical Chemistry Group Web Page ). I attempt to understand how ionic interactions affect the thermodynamics and kinetics of processes occurring in the oceans. Ionic interaction models are used to estimate the activity and speciation of ions in natural waters of known composition. Our recent studies have been concerned with the affect ionic interactions on the oxidation of both metals [Fe(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI)] and non-metals [As(III), S(II), S(IV)] in aqueous solutions. Field measurements of these redox processes have been made in anoxic (devoid of oxygen) waters, like the Framvaren Fjord in Norway.

My group is presently involved in programs attempting to synthesize the global CO₂ cycle in the world oceans. We hope to characterize the flux of fossil fuel CO₂ to the deep oceans. We are also involved in the IRONEX program that is attempting to examine the importance of iron as a plant nutrient and its effect on the flux of CO₂ to the deep ocean by the sinking of plant material (the so-called biological pump). Laboratory and field studies are also being made on the effect of organic matter on the solubility of iron in natural waters.