CAREER: Atmosphere/Snow/Ice Interactions: Photochemistry of Organic Pollutants in Arctic Snow and Ice

Villanova University, Villanova PA

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this CAREER project is to study the cycling and photochemistry of persistent organic pollutants in snow and ice. The research will concentrate on atmosphere-cryosphere interactions of organic pollutants and photochemical transformations of pollutants occurring in snow and ice. Laboratory and field studies will be conducted to probe photochemical processes that may degrade organic compounds, and to address the environmental impact of such processes. Irradiation experiments will be conducted in the laboratory to elucidate the degradation mechanisms and products. Both direct and indirect photochemical pathways will be studied, along with other variables such as wavelength, pH, temperature, and snow grain size. Photochemistry experiments will be conducted in the Arctic (Barrow, Alaska) to determine if the chemistry observed in the laboratory also occurs under natural conditions. Organic pollutants in air, snow and ice will be measured in the field in an effort to better understand air/snow/ice partitioning processes. This project will help to educate undergraduate and master's students (via participation in active laboratory and field research) and K-12 students and the general public (via outreach efforts). Curriculum development activities will be aimed at students in grades 9-12, particularly in urban school districts with high minority populations. The project will also involve outreach to native Alaskan Inupiat Eskimos in Barrow. The PI will mentor a post-doctoral researcher, with the goal of recruiting someone interested in continuing his or her career at a predominantly undergraduate institution. Efforts will be made to recruit underrepresented minorities into the research and outreach activities. Assessment of undergraduate research and the Grade 9-12 curriculum will also be performed.