RIMI: Strengthening Research and Training in Environmental Science

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This project outlines a plan to enhance the Environmental Science Program at Alabama A&M University under the aegis of an interdisciplinary Center of Environmental Research and Training (CERT). Emphasis will be given to research addressing several water quality issues coupled with special emphasis on a mechanism proposed to increase entry of minority undergraduate students in environmental science specializations. In attempt to achieve these goals, four objectives ar presented. Objective 1 focuses on toxic heavy metals interaction with mineral surfaces. Mechanisms of toxic metals interactions with soil and pure clay mineral surfaces (sorption/desorption/precipitation) as affected by inorganic anion will be investigated in tandem. Objective 2 deals with research on soil property effects on volatile organic compound migration in the vadose zone. Here, the impact of selected soil properties on the migration of two common volatile organic contaminants will be investigated. Objective 3 proposes research on soil physical, chemical and hydrologic properties effects on organic contaminant transport in the vadose zone. the downward movement of pesticide as influenced by macropores will be evaluated using field data and modeling. Finally, objective 4 presents a method to facilitate the entry of minority students in the environmental sciences. Special emphasis is placed on the entry of undergraduate students in environmental science.