Location: Environmental Center Lecture Room
Presenter: Dr. Francisco Artigas & Dr. Ildiko Pechmann, MERI and Dr. Jiansheng Yang, Ball State University

Abstract:  

The workshop will present the results of a study funded by the EPA on a method to monitor wetland vegetation type, extent of plant cover and plant vigor using remote sensing images. This method is far less labor intensive and offers more accurate and reliable information which is urgently needed by managers and agencies responsible for coastal wetland integrity and reporting, and its low cost makes it sustainable over long periods of time.

The method utilizes remote sensors and digital images from airplanes and tethered balloons that capture detailed views of wetland vegetation. These images are processed to separate and map wetland plant species and to detect areas under stress. Changes in canopy texture are used as a surrogate for sediment chemical conditions. From the analysis of these images it is possible to know the composition and extent of wetland vegetation and anomalies in the sediments that may be responsible for putting stress on plant communities.

This study verified findings from past research by demonstrating the ability of remote sensors (i.e. hyperspectral, LIDAR and balloon photography) to map plant composition and its extent at a resolution of eight feet to a few inches and revealed new relationships between canopy texture and plant height with  prevailing  biogeochemical conditions in the sediments. Sediment field measurements were used to calibrate the image models where salinity, oxidation reduction potential and sulfide concentration in the rizoshpere explain most of the variation in plant height and canopy texture.

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenters: Francisco Artigas & Eric Yadlovski, MERI

Abstract:   Montclair State University is showing continued interest in developing a GIS for their campus. They are interested in learning more about MERI's GIS - how it works, the data that we have, applications that are available, GPSing etc.  A short presentation will be given regarding operations followed by an open discussion. This presentation will be more technical than the previous and will expand upon knowledge acquired at the first presentation.

Location: NJMC Headquarters
Presenter: Francisco Artigas, MERI Director

Abstract: The Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute will present the results of a comprehensive study that shows a significant increase over the past 15 years in the number and diversity of species of tiny invertebrates (known as benthic organisms) that live on the bottom of the Hackensack River in the Meadowlands. The rebounding populations of these tiny worms and other mud dwellers indicate improved water quality in the river.

The labor-intensive study was conducted in the same places and using the same techniques as a survey conducted in 1987. Recent studies show an increase in the bird and fish populations and improved air quality in the Meadowlands.  These results are futher evidence of the river's restoration and the efforts in revitilizing the river and the surrounding wetlands.

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenter: Eric Yadlovski, MERI GIS

Abstract:   Montclair State University is interested in developing a GIS for their campus.  They have CAD drawings of all their buildings and a Trimble GeoXT which they plan to use to collect information regarding fire hydrants, light poles etc.  The individuals attending the presentation have an understanding of GIS.  They are interested in learning about MERI's GIS - how it works, the data that we have, applications that are available, GPSing etc.  A short presentation will be given regarding operations followed by an open discussion. 

Location: Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus, NJ
Presenter: Meadowlands Environmental Research Insitute

Abstract: This day-long even features environmentally-oriented activities and educational programs, including ecological tours of Snake Hill, pontoon-boat cruises on the Hackensack River, carnival type attractions and games, a petting zoo, pony rides, food and refreshments and live musical performances! Make sure to stop by the MERI exhibit to participate in the "Soak the Polluter" activity. Free prizes for all winners!

Location: Delaware River Basin Commission Offices - West Trenton, NJ
Presenter: Ed Konsevick, Senior Environmental Scientist (MERI)

Abstract: Senior Environmental Scientist, Ed Konsevick, will discuss MERI's interactive web-based data dissemination system at the New Jersey Water Monitoring Council's June 11th meeting. The technical focus for this meeting will be on Water Quality Data Management.

Location: Ridgefield Borough Hall
Presenter: Eric Yadlovski & Dom Elefante, MERI GIS

Abstract: Two of MERI's GIS Specialists will be making a special presentation to the Borough of Ridgefield regarding the services that the MERI GIS Department offers to each of the 14 municipalities in the Meadowlands District. The presentation will focus on IMS Applications, the Google Earth application, data collection/processing services and staff training amongst others.

Location: New York, NY
Presenter: Dom Elefante & Eric Yadlovski, MERI GIS Department

Abstract: MERI has been communicating spatially explicit data and information about the Hackensack Meadowlands District in northern New Jersey since 1992. A regional initiative to share GIS resources with and among local governments was approved under the Municipal Assistance Program. One component of the program was to develop the Emergency Reponse Information System (ERIS); a customized GIS tool that integrates critical information from Right-To-Know databases which are easily queried and displayed using mapping services that are available through the Internet and on standalone laptops provided to emergency town officials. The ERIS application is currently deployed on emergency vehicles and on Interactive Mapping Service (IMS) and a Google Earth-based application designed to be accessible from the web.

Location: Montreal, Canada
Presenter: Dr. Francisco Artigas, MERI Director

Abstract:  The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) is a regional planning agency in northern New Jersey with jurisdiction over 14 municipalities. This case study describes a five year effort by this agency to serve geographic knowledge to 14 towns in the region by sharing resources and infrastructure through a centralized Geographical Information System (GIS). Serving this information required funding, specialized staff, software licenses and equipment. The information being served consists of interactive maps conveying the spatial arrangement of municipal infrastructure, administrative boundaries and fundamental demographics of each town in maps and tables that show proximity, elevations and distances that would otherwise be impractical to describe using words alone. Systems such as these support local governments by delivering information and services to the community in the form of  variance notifications, zoning and land use inventories and updates and  emergency management information including  Right to Know records (RTK) that inform first responders  about stored hazardous materials in industrial facilities. The study details how the target user community was profiled, how data was organized around the needs of the users, the different implementation phases, roll out of the applications, training, maintenance and finally, how the system was adopted and is currently used.

Location: MERI Confernce Room
Presenter: A. Brett Bragin, New Jersey Meadowlands Commission

Abstract:  A time span of 15 years separated two surveys of the benthic macroinvertebrate community of the Hackensack Meadowlands.  During each survey, three replicate grab samples were collected using a full-sized Ponar grab at 26 sampling locations during each season over a one year period.  The original survey, conducted in 1987, recovered 65,565 organisms from 52 taxa in a total of 284 benthic collections.  During the 2002 survey, 215,296 organisms representing 67 taxa were identified from 312 collections.  A total of 89 benthic taxa were identified during both surveys.

During the 2002 survey, the benthic community within the Hackensack Meadowlands was composed primarily of polycheate worms (22 species and 45% of the total number of organisms collected) and amphipods (10 species, with a relative abundance of 35%).  The total number of taxa ranged from 43 at river mile 3.0 (location S1), to 10 at river mile 12.2 (location GN3). 

In 1987, the benthic community was dominated by gastropods (primarily one species with a relative abundance of 50%) and oligocheate worms (27%).  The highest number of taxa collected (n=25) was also collected at river mile 3.0 (location S1), while the lowest number of taxa (n=4) were recorded at sites between river mile 10.9 to 12.5 (locations TN5, T5-S and TN6). 

Although the highest diversity (i.e., number of taxa collected) occurred at the downstream sampling locations in both survey periods, the highest density of benthic organisms (40,000 to 65,000 organisms/m2) occurred in two tributary creeks (Mill and Cromakill) and the mainstem of the river at river mile 9.2.  These high densities are primarily due to the amphipod Apocorophium lacustre and the polycheate worm Hobsonia florida that were collected during the 2002 survey.

Shannon diversity index (H’) values were calculated for each sampling location for each season, as well as for all seasons combined (i.e., a yearly total).  The Shannon index values for each survey were then statistically compared using a specialized t-test.  The results showed that, for all seasons combined, 19 of the 26 sampling locations had a significantly higher (p=0.05) diversity during the 2002 survey.  On a seasonal basis, the H' values were statistically higher in 2002 than in 1987 at nine locations during the winter, at 18 locations during the spring, and at 16 locations during autumn. During the summer, seven sampling locations were significantly higher in 2002, while the diversity from two locations was significantly higher in the summer of 1987.

It appears there have been significant improvements within the benthic community in the Hackensack Meadowlands in the 15 years since the original benthic survey was conducted. However, the overwhelming abundance of a few opportunistic species at several locations within the mid to upper portion of the Meadowlands provides evidence that this system is still stressed.   

Location: University Hall - Montclair State University
Presenter: Steve Spero, MERI GIS Department

Abstract: The Hackensack Meadowlands region is an ideal setting for monitoring atmospheric air conditions. The preserved wetlands are surrounded by Routes 3 and 46 to the North and South, and Route 7 and Interstate 95 on the West and East. Since these wetlands are preserved, we know atmospheric pollutants must be caused by the automobiles which travel these highways. By measuring pertinent air quality variables in this region, we can evaluate the environmental impact of pollutants through statistical analysis. Currently, times series methods have been employed to model certain pollutants (such as NOx and Ozone) for the purpose of conducting a valid analysis of factors such as Rush hour vs not and Weekday vs Weekend. Future research will investigate how some of the important meteorological variables (e.g., sunlight, temperature, and wind speed) impact the observed pollutant levels. Ultimately, we would like to develop a reliable prediction model which could be used in real-time for monitoring pollutants in the Hackensack Meadowlands region.

Location: US EPA Region 2 Offices - New York, NY
Presenter: Dr. Francisco Artigas, Dr. Jin Young Shin, Dr. Irene Jung & Christine Hobble, MERI

Abstract: Members of MERI's scientific research team presented their latest findings of the "New Jersey Turnpike Air Monitoring" study currently being conducted to the staff at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The objective of the study is to determine how particulate concentration from Turnpike vehicle emmissions is affected by seasons, day and night, traffic flow variations and meteorological conditions.  The study will continue through September of 2008.

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenter: Erik Kiviat
                 Hudsona Ltd.

Abstract:  In many areas of the world, frogs are affected by multiple environmental stresses, therefore the ability of frogs to tolerate urban conditions is of interest. In spring 2006, I surveyed calling frogs during three periods at each of two freshwater sites in the Hackensack Meadowlands just outside New York City in northeastern New Jersey, USA. I detected small choruses of a single species, southern leopard frog (Rana sphenocephala utricularia), at multiple wetland and pond locations within each site. The occurrence of populations of this species in the Meadowlands is noteworthy because it is rare or disappearing in nearby regions. The tolerance of southern leopard frog for slightly brackish water and the persistence of small areas of adjoining uplands may enable it to survive in a coastal urban environment. 

Butterflies and odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) are of interest to researchers and naturalists because they integrate multiple features of the environment and are charismatic. I tested a strip transect sampling technique for adult odonates and butterflies in the Hackensack Meadowlands, New Jersey, an urban wetland complex. With a partner, I sampled five 1-km walking transects on dirt roads, divided in 100 m segments at 10 min each segment. We identified and counted all adult odonates and butterflies seen within 5 m either side of the roadbed, once each transect, on mornings at the end of June 2006. Counts totaled 106 individuals of 21 species of butterflies, and 303 individuals of 22 species of odonates (12 dragonflies, 10 damselflies). Damselflies were virtually limited to two transects. Four additional species of butterflies and two of odonates were recorded within 100 m of the transects on the survey days. We identified and ranked abundance of woody plants and selected nectar plants on transects by segment. Dragonfly abundance and species richness, and butterfly abundance and richness, were similar among transects. Damselfly abundance and richness, and the rank sums and species richness of trees, shrubs, vines (woody and herbaceous combined), and nectar plants were significantly different among transects. Dragonfly abundance and richness were negatively correlated with almost all woody plant rank sum and richness variables (all p < 0.03), damselfly abundance and richness were positively correlated with all woody plant rank sum and richness variables (all p < 0.02), but butterfly abundance and richness were not correlated with any vegetation component including nectar plants (all p > 0.2). Apparently dragonflies and butterflies are mobile enough to adjust their activities to spatial variation in vegetation. The butterfly and odonate faunas of the Meadowlands have moderate species diversity but lack many specialized species. Our transect method seems effective for sampling urban butterflies and odonates in the Meadowlands and should be tested in other urban and non-urban environments. 

Location: Tropicana Casino and Resort - Atlantic City
Presenter: Dom Elefante and Alex Marti
                 Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute GIS Unit

Abstract:  Dom Elefante and Alex Marti will present "Sewer and Stormwater Mapping: A Regional Approach to Municipal Information Sharing" at the 93rd Annual New Jersey Environment Association's Conference in Atlantic City. The GIS Group's role in providing a regional system in the development of a GIS infrastructure for utilities management within the 14 Meadowlands municipalities will be explained. The presentation will focus on the GIS Group's role in maintaining the database that organizes the inspections, reports and data collection of these municipal assets.

Abstract: MERI has been communicating spatially explicit data and information about the Hackensack Meadowlands District in northern New Jersey since 1992. A regional initiative to share GIS resources with and among local governments was approved under the Municipal Assistance Program. One component of the program was to develop the Emergency Reponse Information System (ERIS); a customized GIS tool that integrates critical information from Right-To-Know databases which are easily queried and displayed using mapping services that are available through the Internet and on standalone laptops provided to emergency town officials. The ERIS application is currently deployed on emergency vehicles and on Interactive Mapping Service (IMS) and a Google Earth-based application designed to be accessible from the web.

Location: MERI Analytical Lab/GIS Lab/Library/Trail
Presenter: MERI Staff
                 Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute

Abstract:   The Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute (MERI) will be hosting students from Snyder High School's AP Environmental Science class in Jersey City. Students will spend time interacting with MERI staff and learning about our Analytical Lab, GIS Lab and Library. The trip will conclude with an educational walk along the nature trails that surround the area.

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenter: Lee Slater, Associate Professor
                 Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences - Rutgers-Newark

Abstract:   Geophysical technologies are increasingly being used to non-invasively map and monitor the subsurface at spatiotemporal scales unobtainable with conventional, invasive methods of investigation. Geophysical research funded by the Meadowlands Environment Research Institute (MERI) over the last five years has focused on applying geophysical technologies to the study of wetlands and monitoring subsurface processes in wetland soils. Established geophysical technologies (terrain conductivity, magnetometry) have been adopted to assess wetland degradation and the environmental impact of past land use history in Kearny Marsh. State-of-the-art resistivity imaging has been utilized to image solute transport and groundwater-surface water interaction from arrays of floating electrodes. Laboratory-scale studies have explored the sensitivity of novel electrical measurements to the concentration of iron and heavy metals in marsh soils, revealing a strong power-law relationship between iron concentration and electrical polarization. Recent laboratory research has focused on the use of electronic measurements (reactions on electrode surfaces) for monitoring sulfide as a proxy measure of anaerobic microbial activity in wetland soils. Current work is directed towards using electronic measurements to explore correlations between vegetation patterns and sulfide chemistry to test hypotheses that competition between native and invasive species in the NJ Meadowlands is regulated by sulfide toxicity.

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenter: Steven Yergeau, Christopher Obropta, Ph.D., P.E. and Beth Ravit, Ph.D.
                 Department of Environmental Sciences - Rutgers University

Abstract:   The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission has determined that remediation of the Kearny Marsh freshwater ecosystem is a high priority and has partnered with Rutgers University to achieve this goal. Human alterations affecting current hydrologic conditions include municipal stormwater inputs from the Town of Kearny, construction of railways and highways surrounding the marsh, creation of mosquito drainage ditches throughout the marsh, and channeling of marsh drainage to a partially clogged pipe in the northeast corner of the marsh. A bulkhead that is conveying Frank’s Creek stormwater between the Town of Kearny and the Passaic River has also been breached, allowing for water exchanges with the marsh. Because of the surrounding urban land use and the adjacent Keegan Landfill, negative impacts to the marsh were suspected as a result of groundwater and surface water interactions and due to stormwater runoff discharging into the marsh. To determine the amount and source of current contamination a hydrology study was undertaken during 2006 and 2007. Stormwater and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for nutrients, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The results showed elevated levels of heavy metals and in some locations PAHs and PCBs. Ammonia and phosphorus concentrations were elevated during all sampling events, indicating the potential for a high degree of future eutrophication of this ecosystem. Principal component analysis (PCA) and other analytical techniques (contaminant ratios, ANOVAs, and ‘fingerprinting’) were used to determine possible source(s) of elevated contaminant loadings. To analyze the various components of this complex system, a Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) surface water model and a Visual MODFLOW groundwater model were developed for Kearny Marsh, and these models were subsequently calibrated and verified. To project the hydrologic condition(s) of the marsh post-restoration, the models were run using three different precipitation scenarios (“dry”, “wet”, and “normal” conditions).

Location: MERI GIS Lab & The Meadowlands Environment Center
Presenter: MERI Staff
                 Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute

Abstract:   The Meadowlands Environment Center is teaming up with the MERI lab to provide a hands-on learning experience for a GIS class from the Newark Science Park High School. They will come to the Meadowlands Environment Center for an all day field trip focused on the connections between sustainability and GIS. With the growing need for more ecologically friendly, efficient and sustainable design practices, GIS will prove to be a very realistic solution. The students will be introduced to sustainability concepts and the links to GIS, take a tour of the brand new LEED certified sustainable science building, and meet with professional GIS specialists who work with these issues on a daily basis.

Presenter: Gareth Russell
                 Department of Biological Sciences - NJIT & Rutgers University

Abstract:   Herons and Egrets that are seen feeding in the NJ Meadowlands mainly breed on islands in NY Habor and Long Island Sound. Their long-term population dynamics are complex, with dramatic fluctuations from year to year that imply large-scale 'switching cascades' --- mass movement of individuals between locations from one breeding season to the next. We present a stochastic metapopulation model for a seasonal, colonially breeding species. A key component of the model is the development, at the beginning of each breeding season, of a set of breeding colonies, based on sequential choices by individuals about where to nest. Individuals favor the colony they nested in previously, but are also attracted to colonies that are rapidly establishing, and may switch locations. This positive feedback process destabilises the population dynamics at each location, producing exactly the kind of dynamics observed in the real data. We discuss how to further test and refine the model by tracking the movements of the birds.

Location: Henry P. Becton Regional High School (East Rutherford, NJ)
Presenter: Francisco Artigas
                 Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute

Abstract:   The Meadowlands Commission assessed the personal exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the vicinity of the Teterboro Airport. A total of 15 volunteers were recruited from six municipalities around the airport's location. VOCs were collected by a passive sampling method placed in each subject’s indoor, outdoor and personal air as well as at the Teterboro airport for 48 hour periods during 2006 (August, September, and December) and 2007 (January). The presentation will report the results of this study.

>>Powerpoint Document

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenter: Claus Holzapfel
                 Rutgers, Newark

Abstract:   The New Jersey Meadowlands today are a "sea of grasses" where native and exotic species meet and interact. Hence, our two research projects deal (a) with ecological and biochemical aspects of root exudates of a group of predominantly exotic grasses and (b) with the role of genetic identity in competition between native (Spartina patens) and an exotic grass clones (Phragmites australis). In the first project we characterized the strong presence and ecological function of a phenolics-degrading root enzyme (PPO) that is present in high concentrations only in species of the grass genus Bromus, a genus with a worldwide recognized, strong invasion potential. Our results so far lend support to the hypothesis that this enzyme enables the invaders to cope with alleolopathic compounds of competitor species and therefore act as a type of novel defense aiding in the invasion process. We are currently exploring whether this root enzyme can be utilized in remediation of phenolic-polluted soils and we experimentally testing whether this enzyme can be useful in combating other, more problematic invasive species that are successful due to their own phenolic exudates. In the second project we investigate whether remnant clonal populations of the native grass Spartina patens differ in their competitive ability in the face of the invasion by the European clone of Phragmites australis. We found indications that larger clonal stands differ in border zone characteristics from smaller remnant stands and we see indications that these differences are also reflected in genetic identity, as indicated by DNA analysis. We are embarking on field trials that are designed to test for the role of clonal genetic differentiations that will render restoration efforts more successful. The main goal here is to identify clones that compete best with non-native species.

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenter: Allison Candelmo
                 Evolution, & Natural Resources - RutgersUniversity

Abstract:   Newly recruited young-of-the-year (YOY) bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, from relatively pristine GreatBay were fed daily to satiation for about three months with menhaden and mummichog from GreatBay (control treatment) and HackensackRiver (exposed treatment). Amount of prey consumed and consumption rates for the exposed fish was significantly less than that for the control fish. Exposed fish also displayed a significant decrease in the swimming activity compared to the control fish during the non-feeding periods. There was no statistical difference in the condition index, but both the length and weight of the control fish were significantly larger. PCB concentrations in exposed YOY bluefish were greater than the field-caught specimens. PCB fingerprints in the exposed fish were nearly identical in the individual YOY bluefish. These fingerprints matched most closely to that of mummichog probably because this was the sole prey species used during the last month of the feeding experiment. PCB concentrations in menhaden and mummichog found in the bluefish guts were higher than the field-caught specimens. As certain PCB congeners can exert adverse neurotoxic, endocrine, or immunological effects, prey with higher PCB body burdens may become less agile and thus easier to capture. If it is assumed that YOY bluefish preferentially foraged on such prey species due to higher capture success, greater amounts of PCBs can be trophically transferred. Decreased feeding, activity level and growth in the exposed YOY bluefish observed in the present study can have detrimental effects on migration fitness and recruitment success in feral populations exposed to similarly contaminated regimes. Further research is being conducted to investigate the physiological and biochemical changes resulting from contaminant exposure that may have caused the changes observed in the behavior and growth of YOY bluefish.

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenter: Kyung Hwa Jung
                 Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute - RutgersUniversity &                                 University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Abstract:   Personal monitoring is the most direct approach to determine personal contact with carcinogenic agents. However, due to the trace levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air and the limited sampling rate of passive samplers, there are few applications of passive samplers for measuring airborne PAHs. A sensitive, simple, and cost-effective passive sampling methodology was developed to quantify personal exposure to gaseous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in community settings. A passive PAH sampler (PPS) was constructed from 320 sections of 1 cm long SPB-5 GC columns (0.75-mm ID and 7-µm film thickness), like a mini-honeycomb denuder. Given the unique feature of the GC column stationary phase, gaseous PAHs were collected on the inner surfaces of the columns by molecular diffusion and thermally desorbed to GC/MS for analysis, which avoided the necessity for time-consuming sample preparation and allows for low detection limits, since entire samples can be used for gas chromatography analysis. Thermal desorption method was optimized for analysis of the semi volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) since general thermal desorption system was designed for analysis of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The PPS performance was evaluated in the laboratory using a test atmosphere containing seven PAHs for a range of face velocity, temperature, relative humidity, PAH concentration, and sampling duration. The results showed that there was no significant impact of simulated air concentration, face velocity, and temperature on the sampling rate of the sampler for an 8-hour sampling period. It was also evaluated in the field by side-by-side comparison with a conventional active PAH sampling method. The evaluation results showed that the PPS was a valid passive sampler for the measurement of gaseous PAHs, except naphthalene, in personal air for a sampling duration of 8 to 48 hours, but 24-hour sampling time was required for detection of most PAHs in community settings. The joint use of time/activity diaries with the direct measurement of personal PAHs by the PPS enhanced the accuracy of the assessment of personal exposure to PAHs.

Location: MEC Lecture Room
Presenter: Charles A. Rhodes, Jr.
                 Ecologist
                 Environmental Protection Agency

Abstract:   A wealth of valuable wetland research has been published over the years concerning wetland function. One difficulty has been using that information in the context of the time and resource constraints of mandatory wetland mitigation or voluntary wetland restoration projects. In an effort to highlight some suggestions to marry wetland research with practical restoration applications, two questions that recur often will be introduced:

1. Does wetland function follow from structure?
2. What are the most appropriate templates to use when designing a wetland restoration project?
 

Drawing on the literature, and progress in developing the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach (Classification, Use of Reference and Functional Indices), some practical ways of applying "lessons learned" in the design of a wetland restoration plan will be suggested.

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenter: Dr. Som Mitra

Abstract:   The increasing needs for inexpensive, real-time monitoring devices have added new impetus to developing chemical analysis systems that integrate sampling, sample preparation and detection. One way to enhance sensitivity in these measurements is to provide concentration, and/or extraction along with other functionalities. The goal is to integrate these components to develop total analytical systems for on-line, real-time analysis This presentation covers some recent developments in our group including membrane sampling and microconcentration techniques (1-3). The water monitoring devices developed here can be used as, laboratory instruments, field analytical and as on-line monitoring devices. Applications in the monitoring of different classes of compounds are covered that include volatile organics, semi-volatile organics, haloacetic acids, pesticides, pharmaceutical products and metals. Microfabricated devices using MEMS technology have also been developed, which can lead to miniaturization.