Grantee Research Project Results
A Study of the Impact of Ionizing Radiation on Nutrients in Aquatic Media
EPA Grant Number: U915608Title: A Study of the Impact of Ionizing Radiation on Nutrients in Aquatic Media
Investigators: Luse, LaToya
Institution: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: August 1, 1999 through August 1, 2001
Project Amount: $68,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Environmental Science , Academic Fellowships , Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration
Objective:
The objectives of this research project are to: (1) investigate the potential of various forms of ionizing radiation to alter the speciation of phosphate and nitrate ions in water; and (2) determine if these alterations induce changes in the bioavailability of the phosphate and nitrate ions in water.
Approach:
Solutions with known concentrations of nutrients, including phosphate and nitrate, will be prepared by standardized methods. The solutions will be checked spectrophotometrically for accuracy. Irradiation instruments such as a Van der Graff accelerator will be used to bombard the solutions with ionizing radiation. After calculated irradiation periods, the solutions again will be analyzed spectrophotometrically to determine if any change in nutrient concentration has occurred.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, water, bioavailability, phosphate ion, nitrate ion, fertilizers, aquatic, nutrients, ionizing radiation, Van der Graff accelerator, electrons., RFA, Scientific Discipline, ECOSYSTEMS, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Aquatic Ecosystems & Estuarine Research, Environmental Chemistry, Aquatic Ecosystem, Ecological Monitoring, Ecology and Ecosystems, nutrient dynamics, biodiversity, spectrophotmetric studies, aquatic ecosystems, environmental indicators, phosphorus, nutrient regeneration, nitrate concentrationsProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.