microscopic organisms

Studying the fate and potential effects of pollutants in the ocean

The Marine Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at Bigelow Laboratory

The Marine Environmental Chemistry Laboratory focuses on how oil hydrocarbons (oil spill research) and PFAS (forever chemicals).

We use laboratory experiments, analytical chemistry, computational tools, and field measurements to understand processes that affect the distribution, bioaccumulation, or transformation of pollutants.

Current Research Areas

Our projects include:

  • Mechanism of Oil Photochemistry: Using laboratory experiment and analytical tools to determine the mechanism and products of oil transformation by sunlight.
  • Impact of Oil Photooxidation on Bioaccumulation: Investigating how oil photooxidation changes the bioaccumulation and potentially toxicity of residual oil.
  • PFAS Bioaccumulation: Using laboratory experiment to determine PFAS and bioaccumulation.
  • PFAS in the Environment: Determining sources and inputs of PFAS in estuaries.

Analytical Services: Pollutants

Bigelow Laboratory offers analytical services including PAH and oil property analysis and PFAS analysis in water, tissue, and sediment for research or commercial customers. Contact us for more information or to request a quote.

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The Marine Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at Bigelow Laboratory

Former Group Members

Postdocs
  • Manoj Rayaroth
  • Brian DiMento
  • Deedar Nabi

Research Technicians/Associates
  • Erin Beirne
  • Sam Katz
  • Phoebe Keyes
  • Bennett Greenwood
The Marine Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at Bigelow Laboratory

Undergraduate Interns (Summer and semester students)
  • 2023: Jahlen Pinelo, Leslie Palmer, Tory Meringer, Juvelisse Medrano
  • 2022: Sophia Riazi-Sekowski
  • 2021: Hannah Sterling, Elizabeth Westbrook. Erin Coughlin
  • 2020: Elizabeth Westbrook, Cameron Carlson (remote internship)
  • 2019: Anna Zeleny, Cristina Tusei
  • 2018: Haining Chen, Phoebe Keyes, Tom Regan, Anna Van Dreser
  • 2017: Nina Forziati
  • 2016: Amanda Herzog, Jarred Wang
  • 2015: Sam Katz
  • 2014: Max Findely, Allison Sharrer