Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID AR_2025_Thamaraiselvan

Environmental Impact of Lithium Extraction in Southern Arkansas

Institute: Arkansas
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $25,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $11,629

Principal Investigators: Chidambaram Thamaraiselvan

Project Summary: Lithium is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and clean energy storage. The Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas has large amounts of lithium in underground salty water (called brine). Recovery of lithium from these brines is of interest to many companies. A common technology for recovery of lithium is Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). Like any new technology, the environmental impacts from DLE, especially on water resources, is not clear. This research looks at how lithium extraction might affect water and water quality in the region. Local groundwater and surface water will be tested to determine the effect of DLE. Additionally, the amount of water being consumed will be determined. The goal is to make sure lithium can be extracted yet the impact and effect on local water resources and the environment is minimized.