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

9973849 Chisholm-BrauseThe调查的目的是开发一个基本的模型或方法，准确地量化PAH分区和帐户作为粒子属性的函数从EqP理论预测的偏差。 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-孔隙水分配系数以及这些化合物的生物有效性。 这些资料对于准确评估受污染沉积物的环境风险和对受污染地区进行补救是必要的。 此外，从这项工作的结果将提供洞察有机物质的反应性和它的物理和化学性质之间的基本关系，这样的理解将证明是有用的，在其他非污染物，地球化学研究。 该POWRE提案代表了PI学术生涯的一个新方向，即基于地面地球化学过程实验室研究的强大背景的实地海洋研究。 因此，它是作为海洋科学教员的一个重要垫脚石。 这项工作除了是直接解决相关科学问题的研究外，还必然导致结合实地和实验室方法的更广泛的海洋研究。 这POWRE建议将促进她对罕见的科学家谁完全整合了现场和实验室研究的成长，并加强她的地位，作为一个终身教职的教师在海洋研究所占主导地位的高级男性教师。

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.