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Research Contributions
The Water Quality Research Program in EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) has led to the preservation and restoration of the quality of our water resources. The research assesses damage to aquatic systems and identifies sources of that damage. The research also helps forecast the ecological, human health, and economic outcomes of water quality problems and provides scenarios for addressing them.
Research contributions include:
Predicting Wildlife Population Risks
Risks to wildlife populations from pollution and habitat alteration are of increasing concern. EPA researchers tested an approach and framework for ecological risk assessment in support of population risk-based criteria development with Loons in New Hampshire. The research quantitatively linked increasing levels of specific single or multiple stressors to adverse outcomes at the population level. The research also responded to the need for greater realism and ecological significance in the estimation of stressor effects. This research has spurred the development of species-specific toxicological habitat and demographic models; led to the extension of results into large scale spatially-explicit population projections; and provided a scientific foundation for regulatory criteria at the state, regional, or national level.
Controlling Harmful Algal Blooms Using Clay
Throughout the United States, red tides and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) pose a serious and recurrent threat to marine ecosystems, fisheries, human health, and coastal aesthetics. These phenomena are caused by the growth and accumulation of microscopic algae, some of which produce potent toxins. EPA researchers investigated the feasibility of the removal of HAB cells from the water column using clay flocculation. The investigation revealed the strong, innate ability of several domestic clays to remove HAB cells from suspension, and highlighted the physicochemical and hydrodynamic conditions that can influence cell removal and sedimentation.
Assessing Impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms
EPA developed a research initiative called EcoHAB (Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms) to further understand the relationships between nutrient inputs, coastal eutrophication, and the occurrence and consequences of harmful algal blooms (HABs) by enhancing interagency communication and allowing for more effective use of federal resources. HABs include toxic and noxious phytoplankton, some protests, cyanobacteria, and benthic algae. The blooms impact virtually all components of the aquatic ecosystems, cause serious illness in humans in a variety of ways, and have a significant impact on water quality.
EcoHAB research is used by numerous individuals and agencies directly impacted by HABs and those who manage the blooms and associated impacts. For example, Maryland and Delaware state officials use a technique developed by EPA researchers to conduct an assay of environmental water samples for monitoring programs. Florida officials use EcoHAB research to perform on-going risk assessment of alternatives for wastewater treatment and disposal in Southeast Florida.
Assessing Land Application of Biosolids
EPA has developed monitoring methods and risk assessment models for measuring contaminants associated with the land application of biosolids. These methods are used to monitor contaminant transport and human exposure. The resulting data is used to populate models to assess the risk of pathogens and chemicals in biosolids. A Land Application Evaluation Study performed in North Carolina focused on evaluating and optimizing several sampling and analytical methods. Samples were evaluated at both small localized and large field scale for volatile organic and inorganic compounds and odors. Limitations of some of the sampling methods were discovered and ORD has focused on sampling techniques and improving sample size. This research was designed to optimize air and soil sampling methods so that protocols can be developed for sampling during and post application for determination of contaminant loads.