Research Projects - Current
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linking empirical measurements and regional groundwater modelsRegional groundwater models typically have a coarse resolution that makes it difficult to incorporate fine-scale processes that drive N transformations. Despite this challenge, representing these important fine-scale processes well is essential to modeling groundwater transport of N across regional scales and to making informed management decisions. Our cross-scale approach utilizes thermal infrared imaging and vertical temperature profiling to calculate groundwater discharge and to iteratively refine and downscale the groundwater flow model.
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Road Salt induced Leaching of Base CationsUse of salt (sodium chloride) for deicing purposes has increased significantly in recent years. The influx of sodium ions has the potential to leach base cations (potassium, magnesium and calcium) from the soil through cation exchange. The goal of this project is to assess the evidence in stream water chemistry of sodium induced soil cation exchange and loss of base cations.
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Pharmaceuticals in Stream Networks
Many pharmaceuticals and personal care product compounds, including caffeine from our coffee (or tea), have been detected in effluent from waste water treatment plants. In this project, we wanted to find out if these compounds were detectable in streams with varying upland septic densities. Our samples contained few pharmaceuticals at measurable concentrations, but most sites had measurable caffeine in at least one sample.
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Human Dimensions of Water ResourcesCompared to biophysical aspects, the human dimensions of water resources and management is understudied, particularly in regions perceived to be “water rich.” The objective of this research is to assess human dimensions of water resources and management information for Connecticut.
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Research Project - Past
Watershed DenitrificationRates of denitrification (reduction of nitrate to dinitrogen gas) are highly varied spatially and temporally. In this project I developed a surface water model and used a simple denitrification model to model the spatial and temporal patterns of denitrification and to explore how those rates and patterns might change under a changing climate.
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