Air Sea Interactions Laboratory

Our research has the overarching theme of understanding the processes that control the flux of key compounds between the ocean and atmosphere. This is because these compounds play an important role in atmospheric chemistry and therefore, our climate.

We conduct research on three fronts:

• air-sea exchange of trace gases and the underlying process rates;
• microbial processes driving biogeochemistry in the surface ocean;
• mCDR approaches- recently focussing on testing ocean alkalinity enhancement solutions, specifically focussing on the physiological response of phytoplankton to changes in pH.

• anti-methanogenic feed additives for cattle;
• gas sensor technology, to validate the impact of anti-methane strategies;
• exhalomics in cattle as an indicator of health and feed efficiency.

• research projects on algal and shellfish biotoxin analytical methods, low-cost detection systems and HAB/toxin forecasting;
• shellfish biotoxin analysis contracts with Maine Department of Marine Resources and industry partners;
• expansion of our analytical capabilities to provide services for multiple biotoxins, bioactive compounds and nutritional compounds, particularly in seaweeds and seafood.

Recent Projects

• Innovative approach to monitor methane emissions from livestock using an advanced gravimetric microsensor. Phase II. 2025-2027. NSF-Convergence Accelerator. PI Archer (BLOS), Co-PI: Price (BLOS), Bahamonde, Siontas (Lelantos), Morrison, Ballard, Pope (Miner Institute).
• Innovative approach to monitor methane emissions from livestock using an advanced gravimetric microsensor. Phase I. 2024-2025. NSF-Convergence Accelerator. PI Archer (BLOS), Co-PI: Price (BLOS), Bahamonde (Lelantos), Morrison (Miner Institute).
• Atmospheric Nucleation of Complex Mixtures Emitted from Marine Planktonic Communities. 2024-2027. NSF - Atmospheric. PI: Coty Jen (Carnegie Mellon University), Co-PI Archer (BLOS).
• Early warning for amnesic shellfish poisoning in the Gulf of Maine through real time in situ characterization of Scotian Shelf phytoplankton blooms. 2023-2028. NOAA (NCCOS), PI: Brosnahan (WHOI), Co-PIs: McGillicudy, Anderson (WHOI), Hubbard (FWC), Doucette (NOAA), Archer (BLOS), Kritzer (NERACOOS). NOAA (NCCOS).
• Developing harmonized approaches to quantify and monitor DSTs in shellfish tissue. 2023-2026. NOAA (NCCOS), PI: Archer, Co-PI: Deeds (FDA), Langford (Washington State DOH).