MERI

Abstract: “Creating wetlands, a 15-year experiment in self-design” to be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (MEC building). Dr. Mitsch is a Distinguished Professor of Environment and Natural Resources (Wetland Ecology) and Director of the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park at The Ohio State University and is the Co-author of the well known book Wetlands. The presentation will be from 2-3 PM in the Lecture Room of the Environment Center. There will also be a presentation “CO2 sequestration in the New Jersey Meadowlands” by Dr. Karina V.R. Schäfer, Ecosystem Ecologist, Department of Biological Sciences of Rutgers University. It will be from 1:30 -2 PM in the Lecture Room preceding Dr. Mitsch’s presentation. RSVP to Irma Lepe by November 15, 2010 via email: irma.lepe@njmeadowlands.gov or by phone 201-460-2800.

Abstract: Atmospheric hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI), which is highly toxic and carcinogenic, is emitted from both anthropogenic and natural sources. Chromium is among the top five most abundant metals in diesel particles, and thus, the Meadowlands district, which is located close to the NJ Turnpike (NJTPK) with high truck traffic volume, may have an elevated Cr-VI concentration. Also, the Meadowlands district is located ~5 miles from Kearny and ~10 miles from Jersey City, areas with more than 200 historic chromium waste sites. The Cr-VI contaminated fine particles may be transported to the Meadowlands area and contribute to Cr-VI pollution. However, Cr-VI was not measured in air quality monitoring programs. Also, the detailed particle size distribution of Cr-VI in ambient air was not characterized. This pilot study measured the Cr-VI concentration in PM2.5 for 2 weeks simultaneously at two sites, the MERI site and the Williams site, during one winter and summer season. Cr-VI was detected in all of the field samples, with a mean±SD (median) of 0.52±0.32 (0.47) ng/m3 at the MERI site and 0.40±0.20 (0.35) ng/m3 at the Williams site. The Cr-VI distribution as a function of particle size at the Williams site was also determined by using a MOUDI sampler with 8 particle sizes. It was found that the Cr-VI was concentrated in the particles with a diameter less than 2.5 μm. The impact of truck traffic on the NJTPK as well as temperature and humidity on the Cr-VI levels was examined and the results and implication will be discussed.

Abstract: Pore-water chemistry, up to a depth of 80 cm, was monitored seasonally for a three-year period at a newly constructed marsh (near the Secaucus High School) and an established marsh, both along the Hackensack River. In both cases dialysis samplers were permanently installed in selected locations of the high marsh. Samplers were also placed at lower elevations that remained permanently saturated in the newly established marsh. At the established marsh samplers were placed in locations dominated by the presence of either Spartina patens or Phragmites australis. Detailed chemical analyses yielded concentrations of chemical species at 3 cm increments, including total dissolved organic carbon, iron, sulfate, trace metals (Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn), bromide, sodium, and in selected cases sulfides and dissolved gases such as methane and hydrogen.

Results of this still ongoing investigation show that there are significant differences in the dissolved iron profiles, with significant amounts of Fe(II) present in the pore water of the newly constructed high marsh, with little or no detectable Fe(II) present at the lower elevation of the constructed marsh or the established marsh. Higher concentrations of Fe(II) mean that sulfides that are formed from the reduction of sulfate will precipitate with the Fe(II) that is present, while in the absence of Fe(II), sulfides can build up in the sediment pore water. Sulfide will also precipitate and remove from the water phase many divalent metals of concern like lead and cadmium, while it will reduce toxic and water-soluble hexavalent chromium to non-toxic insoluble trivalent chromium. Hence, in the presence of higher Fe(II) values, we also observed higher trace metal concentrations in the pore waters.

Significant differences in chemical constituent profiles are being observed in sediments dominated by Phragmites vs. Spartina. It is not clear at this point if these differences are plant- or hydrology-driven. Profiles of dissolved methane show the potential impact of a Phragmites invasion on wetland methane dynamics. The use of dissolved hydrogen as an indicator for terminal electron acceptor processes in shallow sediments will also be explored. Links between different chemical species and the dynamics affecting them in tidal marshes will be discussed as well as seasonal variability.

Abstract: GIS Specialist Sachin Jain will present a demo for the web application that allows users to subscribe to different kinds of environmental warnings regarding air quality, water quality and flooding. Air quality warnings will cover certain air parameters such as CO SO2 O3. Water quality warnings will cover the dissolved oxygen content and water turbidity of three different monitoring stations located at Berry’s Creek, Kearny and FDU. Flood warnings will cover water levels that can cause floods at three different monitoring stations located at Kearny, Mill Creek and Berry’s Creek.

Abstract: The EPA will be hosting a webinar on an air toxics study conducted at the New Jersey Meadowlands.  Below is the announcement released by the EPA.

New Jersey Meadowlands Turnpike Study

This study was specifically designed to identify ambient air quality gradients of particulate matter (PM2.5), total suspended particles (TSP) and associated 16 PAHs/10 trace metals at three different distances (50m, 100m and 150m) from the New Jersey Turnpike (NJTPK), one of the busiest highways in the USA. Concentrations of ten trace metals in PM2.5 showed gradients as a function of distance. In addition to spatial variation, these ambient air pollutants were investigated for their seasonal/diurnal variations with meteorological parameters, and traffic counts. The profiling of these air toxics will not only help characterize the degree and extent of the current air pollution problem near high traffic highways and the risks to the local communities, but also establish a baseline for future reference.

Presentation materials will be available the week of the presentation at https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/toxdat.html.

For the complete abstract and additional information, please click here.

Abstract: Between 1905 and 1976, chromite ore containing 45-50% chromium (Cr) was shipped from all over the world to plants in Jersey City and Kearny for chromate and bichromate chemical manufacturing. An estimated 2.75 million tons of chromite ore processing residue (COPR) containing 2-7% chromium was produced in this time period and was widely used as wetland backfill and foundation material throughout Northern New Jersey. More than 130 chromite ore processing residue dumpsites have been identified in Hudson County, many of which are located in urban residential areas. The environmental impacts of COPR are not well understood. Of concern is the presence in COPR of hexavalent Cr(VI), which is a strong carcinogen and mutagen; trivalent Cr(III), in contrast, is much less toxic and mobile. The research presented here characterized the chemical speciation of Cr in samples taken from a COPR dumpsite in the New Jersey Meadowlands, using a combination of chemical extraction experiments and synchrotron-based spectroscopic analyses. The Cr content in the < 1 mm size fraction of the samples ranged between 200 to 850 mg Cr kg-1. The spectroscopic data indicate that Cr is in the trivalent oxidation state, with no evidence to suggest the presence of hexavalent Cr. The extraction data and spectroscopic measurements identified two major Cr species in these samples, which varied in importance depending on sample location. This talk will present and discuss the results from this study in detail, and outline the implications of the findings for the Cr geochemistry at the site.

Abstract: The MERI GIS group will be hosting members of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners for a presentation on the utilization of GIS technologies in the Meadowlands District and how such programs may benefit other organizations with similar goals and responsibilities. The presentation will encompass a thorough examination of the GIS Outreach (MAGNET) Program, Emergency Response Information System (ERIS), Flood Warning & Mapping, and WinCan & Utility Mapping projects. This presentation will also focus on how the NJMC has developed its enterprise GIS through the years since the resolution (2003) executing the Commission to provide GIS infrastructure for its member municipalities.

Abstract: Brian Kennedy will present a review of the web traffic analytics and trends for the MERI website. The presentation will focus on various methods for increasing MERI’s web presence in 2010.

Abstract: The Meadowlands Commission provided Fairleigh Dickinson University with grant funding to provide a digital copy of maps and documents relevant to researchers at the Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute, and to preserve and maintain the original items. Brigid Burke (Digital Projects Librarian) and Richard Goerner (University Archivist) of FDU will discuss the materials selected for digitization and provide details about the completed digital copies and their accompanying metadata (MARC, Dublin Core, SGML/XML, and FGDC Geospatial). Richard Goerner will also discuss the completion of the project, including his plans for preserving and maintaining the original materials for future research.

Abstract: The Geographic Information Systems team will be presenting GIS Outreach to representatives from the Township of Lyndhurst under the NJMC’s Magnet program. They will go over services that are provided to the towns including ERIS & Flooding, Municipal Map and the NJMC’s COOP/Shared Services. The presentation will highlight these services with an open-discussion forum with DPW personnel and the Town’s General Services Coordinator.