FIU Receives NSF Grant to Establish Center for Aquatic Chemistry and the Environment

Posted by | April 27, 2016 | Awards, Marine Biology, Research, Toxicology | No Comments

Floridakeys-nasaWith a $5,000,000 grant from the National Science Foundation support (Division Of Human Resource Development), Florida International University will establish the Center for Aquatic Chemistry and the Environment (CREST). Our group participates in this 5-year project led by Biology Professor Todd A. Crowl.

Human-derived environmental contaminants are recognized as having significant effects on ecosystems and biota as well as on human wellbeing. It is critical to understand the biogeochemical processes that govern the fate of these compounds and their impacts on the ecosystem. Center for Aquatic Chemistry and the Environment research will address the sources, transport, transformation and ecosystem responses to contaminants, pollutants and other natural stressors, under changing land-use and environmental conditions. The proposed research will advance current efforts on the biological effects, transport, transformation and distribution of contaminants in the environment into new collaborative research areas that investigate the sources and transport of contaminants and pollutants in aquatic systems. The Center articulates three research subprojects organized around environmental chemistry, biogeochemistry, ecology and data synthesis and modeling as they pertain to regional water resources. In doing so, the Center for Aquatic Chemistry and the Environment will establish innovative opportunities for students to experience authentic and socially relevant environmental research and foster their development as future STEM professionals.

NSF Award Page