Edward D Burton

Professor Edward D Burton is a Professor (Research Scholar) in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University, where he leads the Environmental Geochemistry & Mineralogy research group. His work integrates laboratory experiments, field studies, and synchrotron-based X-ray techniques to investigate metal(loid)-mineral-microbe interactions across diverse environments including acid sulfate soils, contaminated lands, and mine sites.

His educational background includes a BSc(Hons) and PhD from Griffith University, establishing his foundation in earth sciences and geochemistry.

Research focuses on Environmental Geochemistry and Mineralogy with emphasis on arsenic/antimony speciation, iron mineral transformations, and heavy metal dynamics in contaminated systems. His group pioneers synchrotron-based approaches to decipher contaminant retention mechanisms, particularly in acid sulfate soils and mine drainage environments, directly informing remediation strategies for water quality protection.

Recent publications reveal intensifying research on climate-hydrological interactions affecting contaminant mobility, with dominant themes in antimony-arsenic co-behavior in iron mineral systems and advanced applications of X-ray spectroscopy. This reflects his strategic shift toward interdisciplinary solutions for complex environmental contamination scenarios.

Key scientific awards include:

• Future Fellowship (Professorial Level) from Australian Research Council (2020-2024)
• Vice-Chancellors' Excellence in Research Award from Southern Cross University (2015)
• 5 Year Australian Research Fellowship from Australian Research Council (2011-2015)
• 3 Year Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Australian Research Council (2007-2010)

Professor Burton has supervised 14 PhD students and 11 postdocs to completion, currently mentoring 5 PhD candidates, 1 MSc student, and 2 postdocs. His research is funded by 5 ARC Discovery Projects ($1.51 million), 7 ARC Linkage Projects ($2.72 million as Chief Investigator), and $2.66 million in-kind from ANSTO for synchrotron projects over the past five years.

The Environmental Geochemistry & Mineralogy group operates as a multidisciplinary hub specializing in cutting-edge synchrotron techniques, with active collaborations across government agencies, mining industries, and international research institutions to address critical environmental contamination challenges.