Grantee Research Project Results

Photolytic Impact on Dissolved Organic Matter: Implications for Copper-Organic Binding and Toxicity in Natural Waters

EPA Grant Number: U915640
Title: Photolytic Impact on Dissolved Organic Matter: Implications for Copper-Organic Binding and Toxicity in Natural Waters
Investigators: Lovvorn, Marjorie B.
Institution: University of Wyoming
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: January 1, 1999 through January 1, 2002
Project Amount: $75,872
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Toxicology , Academic Fellowships , Human Health

Objective:

The objective of this research project is to clarify the role of photochemical and microbial degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in altering the toxicity of copper (Cu) in natural waters.

Approach:

A series of experiments will be conducted that are designed to investigate changes in the physicochemical, spectral, and Cu-organic binding characteristics of natural DOM before and after controlled photodegradation under a full-spectrum solar simulator (Suntest CPS+).

This research will be the first to consider how the ongoing degradation of natural DOM alters its relative binding affinities for Cu and thus, Cu bioavailability to fish. Experimental results should support proof of the principal that photochemical breakdown of DOM alters Cu toxicity and is essential to environmentally relevant estimates of Cu-organic binding in natural waters.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, bioavailability, copper, dissolved organic matter, DOM, photochemical.

Progress 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.