Dr Pierre Delmelle

Pierre Delmelle's research interest lies in the environmental effects of volcanic emissions. Pierre uses a combination of field and lab measurements to better understand how volcanic gas and ash materials react once released into the environment. He applies surface science methodologies and techniques to examine the factors which govern the surface reactivity of volcanic ash. He also studies the geochemistry and fate of volcanogenic fluoride in different environmental media (air, ash, water, soil and vegetation). In addition, Pierre leads a research aimed at improving the monitoring and assessment of exposure to volcanogenic fluoride. With Julie Calkins (PhD Student) and colleagues from the Institute of Food Research, he is developing a protocol for evaluating the bioaccessibility of volcanogenic fluoride in ash, soil and food.

Pierre also works on the characterisation of volcanic ash leachates, the measurement of trace metals in volcanic aerosols, the transport and retention of volcanic fluoride in soils and the impact of volcanic acid and ash deposition on soil properties and functioning. Recently, he has been involved in the development of quantitative tools for informing the decision-making process in volcanic hazard management.