Brian Stewart

Brian Stewart is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology & Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh. His research program focuses on water-rock interactions in environmental and energy-related contexts, including acid mine drainage, shale gas extraction, and critical zone processes.

Research Interests: Stewart investigates the geochemical and isotopic dynamics of fluids interacting with geological materials. Key areas include pollutant migration in ground/surface waters, rare earth element sourcing in energy-related waters, and weathering processes in soil-vegetation systems using high-precision isotopic analyses.

Methodologies: His work integrates fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and advanced analytical techniques like MC-ICP-MS for isotopic studies of Li, Sr, and Fe. Recent studies focus on CO2 leakage impacts, hydraulic fracturing fluid behavior, and solute sourcing in sedimentary basins.