Research

Economic valuation of improved water quality in Pennsylvania through abandoned mine drainage reclamation

Abstract Abandoned mines leave a legacy of untreated environmental hazards from an era without established regulations to ensure responsible stewardship of environmental resources. Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) occurs when water is polluted by passing through exposed mines, turning the water acidic and devoid of aquatic life. Pennsylvania has the largest inventory of abandoned coal mines, […]

Movement Dynamics of a Recently Established Invasive Riverine Flathead Catfish Population

Abstract Understanding the ecological and economic impacts of invasive catfish is a global priority. In Pennsylvania, the flathead catfish Pylodictus olivaris – a large predatory catfish – was first detected in the Susquehanna River in 2002. Since then, they have established a rapidly growingpopulation that is expanding throughout the river system. Previous research has demonstrated […]

A data-driven approach to evaluate and inform the effectiveness of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs)

AbstractAgricultural runoff continues to be a leading cause of water quality degradation in the Susquehanna River Basin, the largest contributor of nutrients and sediment to the Chesapeake Bay. Despite widespread promotion of Best Management Practices (BMPs), decision-makers lack field-based data to evaluate their real-world effectiveness. This project addresses that critical gap by conducting a field-and […]

Improving coastal ecosystem resiliency and wetland restoration by leveraging heritable trait variation in populations

AbstractEnvironmental factors are rapidly changing ecosystems across successive levels of biological organization: from genes to ecosystem functioning. Evidence from research I have conducted has shown that environmental factors are strong selective agents capable of alteringintraspecific genetic variation (the number of genotypes at a location), genetic identity (which genotypes are present at a location), and functional […]

From streams to seas: Using community-based science to track the source and fate of marine debris from a mixed-use watershed

AbstractMarine debris (MD) has profound negative impacts on vital coastal ecosystems, including the Delaware River. Yet, few studies have investigated MD delivery to rivers, despite their substantial role in transporting MD to the ocean. Watersheds provide an opportunity to examine causal factors that deliver MD to the coast and allow local stakeholders to understand the […]

Identifying the parasite communities of common Lake Erie invasive, aquaculture, and game species

Abstract:Parasites are ubiquitous. Yet, aside from a few heavily studied systems, parasite speciescomposition, relative abundance, and ecological impacts are poorly understood. The mysteries of parasites are further clouded by aquatic invasive species (AIS). In many ecosystems, including the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie, it is unclear if—and how much—AIS impact native host parasite dynamics or […]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl occurrence and concentrations in lentic invasive snakehead populations: identifying gene expression signatures of toxicity with implications for human consumption advisories

Abstract: Contaminants of emerging concern and aquatic invasive species are of global interest for the health of aquatic ecosystems and humans. In Pennsylvania, like other parts of the world, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have seen increased scrutiny over the last few years due to their potential adverse ecological and human health effects. At the […]

Using sorbent media to address the impact of deicing salt on contaminant dynamics in infiltration-based green stormwater management: nutrients, metals, and trace organics

Abstract: Degraded water quality can negatively impact the key waterways of Pennsylvania. For example, excess nutrients can result in development of a Total Maximum Daily Load, metal concentrations can exceed aquatic life criteria particularly in saltwater ecosystems, and trace organic contaminants including poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are under increased scrutiny due to persistence, toxicity, […]

A Comprehensive Assessment of the Barriers and Drivers of GSI Adoption Centered on Ordinances in Small and Small to Medium-sized Municipalities in Pennsylvania

Abstract: While considerable scholarship demonstrates the benefits of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) primarily to reduce runoff volume and pollution associated with that runoff, municipalities have not universally embraced widespread GSI implementation. Among the numerous sociotechnical, regulatory, financial, and institutional barriers, conflicting or adversarial local mandates and codes, stand out as critical regulatory and policy barriers […]

Research, Develop and Evaluate New Ocean, Great Lakes, and Watershed Curricula for the New PA Standards

Abstract: Pennsylvania (PA) science education researchers and practitioners will collaborate to research, develop, and evaluate new ocean, Great Lakes, and watershed curricula in this proposed environmental literacy and workforce development research project. The outputs of this project will serve as curricula development guides and examples, following research-based best practices in curricula development, teaching, and learning, […]

Research

Join Our Newsletter