POWRE: Integration of Database Management System and Geographic Information Systems for Monitoring and Forecasting Environmental Mercury Distribution

Tufts University, Medford MA

Investigators

Abstract

This POWRE project designs and implements prototype software that integrates database management and geographic information for the purpose of monitoring and forecasting the distribution of environmental pollutants. Mercury contamination, which has been identified as a significant environmental threat both in Massachusetts and across the nation, serves as the initial focus of this project. Specifically, this project develops technology that enables effective collection and rapid processing and interpretation of vast quantities of complex data relating to diverse environmental pollutants. This POWRE award is used specifically to enable the investigator to partner with environmental biologists from governmental organizations and computer scientists from a commercial organization, leading to significant professional advancement of the investigator. In addition, the award supports the investigator's study of new methods of environmental monitoring and forecasting over a relatively short period of time with the long-term goal of establishing academic leadership in the field of environmental conservation.