POWRE: Influence of Organic Matter Properties on Contaminant Partitioning in Estuarine Systems

9973849 Chisholm-Brause本研究的目标是开发一种基本模型或方法，准确地量化多环芳烃的分配，并解释作为颗粒特性函数的EQP理论预测的偏差。然后，该模型可用于预测沉积物中多环芳烃的总体分布模式、沉积物-孔隙水分配系数和这些化合物的相关生物有效性。这些信息对于准确评估受污染沉积物的环境风险和修复受污染地区是必要的。此外，这项工作的结果将提供对有机物反应性与其物理和化学性质之间的基本关系的洞察；这种理解将被证明对其他无污染的地球化学研究有用。POWRE的这项提议代表了国际海洋研究所学术生涯的一个新方向，即以表面地球化学过程实验室研究的强大背景为基础的野外海洋研究。因此，作为一名海洋科学教员，它代表着一个重要的垫脚石。除了直接解决相关科学问题的研究外，这项工作还在逻辑上导致了整合实地和实验室方法的更广泛的海洋研究。POWRE的这项提议将促进她成长为一名罕见的完全整合实地和实验室研究的科学家，并加强她作为一家由资深男性教师主导的海洋研究所终身教职教员的地位。

9973849Chisholm-BrauseThe objective of the investigation is to develop a basic model or approach that accurately quantifies PAH partitioning and accounts for deviations from EqP theory predictions as a function of particle properties. This model may then be used to predict overall PAH distribution patterns in sediments, sediment-pore water partition coefficients and associated bioavailability of these compounds. Such information is necessary for accurate assessment of the environmental risk of contaminated sediments and remediation of contaminated areas. In addition, results from this work will provide insight into the basic relationships between organic matter reactivity and its physical and chemical properties; such an understanding will prove useful in other, non-contaminant, geochemical studies. This POWRE proposal represents a new direction in the PI's academic career, into field-based marine research that builds upon strong background in laboratory studies of surface geochemical processes. As such, it represents a critical stepping stone as a marine science faculty member. In addition to being research that directly addresses a pertinent scientific question, this work logically leads to broader marine research that integrates field and laboratory approaches. This POWRE proposal will foster her growth towards that rare scientist who fully integrates field and laboratory studies, and strengthen her position as a tenure-track faculty member at a marine institute dominated by senior male faculty.