Tamara Kraus
About Tamara Kraus
Tamara Kraus is a Soil Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, specializing in aqueous geochemistry and the impact of organic carbon on drinking water quality. Her research includes investigating coagulation techniques for removing organic matter and mercury from water systems, as well as exploring nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Tamara Kraus has been employed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Soil Scientist since 2004. In this role, she conducts research that focuses on various aspects of soil and water quality. Her work includes investigating coagulation techniques aimed at removing organic matter and mercury from water systems. Additionally, she explores subsidence reversal, contributing to the understanding of environmental changes and their impacts on ecosystems.
Education and Expertise
Tamara Kraus holds a PhD in Soils and Biogeochemistry from the University of California, Davis, which she earned between 1998 and 2002. Prior to that, she completed a Master of Science in Agronomy and Range Sciences at the same institution from 1992 to 1994. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Society from Cornell University, studying there from 1985 to 1989. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her specialization in aqueous geochemistry and water quality research.
Research Focus
Tamara Kraus's research primarily investigates the impact of organic carbon on drinking water quality. She specifically studies the formation of disinfection by-products, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Her work also encompasses nutrient cycling and its connections to food web dynamics within aquatic ecosystems, highlighting her comprehensive approach to understanding environmental interactions.
Scientific Contributions
Kraus's contributions to the field of soil science and water quality are significant. She employs coagulation techniques to address environmental challenges related to organic matter and mercury in water systems. Her focus on subsidence reversal and aqueous geochemistry further enhances her role in advancing knowledge in soil and water interactions, which is critical for sustainable environmental management.