Nicholas Basta

Nicholas Basta is a Professor of Soil and Environmental Chemistry at the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, and Co-Director of the Environmental Sciences Graduate Program. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry from Iowa State University (1989) with a minor in Analytical Chemistry, an M.S. in Soil Science (1984), and a B.S. in Chemistry (1981).

• Education: Ph.D., M.S., B.S.
• Institutional Affiliation: Ohio State University (since 2003), Oklahoma State University, USDA ARS

His research focuses on environmental soil chemistry, emphasizing biogeochemical processes affecting heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium) and contaminants in urban soils. Key themes include:

• Bioavailability and ecological risk assessment
• Innovative remediation technologies (in situ immobilization, bioremediation)
• Biosolids and by-products land application
Public health implications of soil contamination

Recent publications highlight trends in lead bioaccessibility, compost-amended remediation, and biochar application for metal stabilization. His work bridges soil science with regulatory frameworks and community engagement in urban soil management.

• Developed in vitro methods for contaminant bioavailability prediction
• Advocated for risk-based soil health approaches
• Contributed to EPA sustainable materials management guidelines

Professor Basta teaches graduate courses including:

• ENR 5262: Soil Chemical Processes and Environmental Quality
• ENR 5273: Environmental Fate of Pollutants
• ENR 5279: Urban Soils and Ecosystem Services