EPA Science Matters: Water Sampling on the Great Lakes, Wildfires, PFAS, and more

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EPA Science Matters

August 28, 2018


EPA's Science Matters newsletter delivers the latest from EPA's Office of Research and Development straight to your inbox. Keep scrolling to read about recent news and upcoming events.

View from Explorer
The view from EPA's research vessel, the Lake Explorer II, between Toronto and Whitby, Ontario, in July 2018. Researchers were aboard the vessel collecting data on the health of the Great Lakes. Read more about this research below.

EPA Research Updates


As one of the world’s largest surface freshwater ecosystems, the Great Lakes have their share of water quality issues. As part of the Great Lakes Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative, EPA scientists have been using two research vessels and an autonomous glider to collect data on Lake Ontario all summer long. The data will help determine the overall health of the lake and which areas need to be prioritized for restoration.

Traditional drinking water treatment technologies are not able to remove per- and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS, from water. EPA researchers are working to enhance water treatment approaches to remove PFAS compounds from drinking water.

Many communities face challenges when managing their water resources. EPA developed the Watershed Management Optimization Tool to help water resource managers and planners improve water quality. The tool was recently used to help communities in Massachusetts and Maryland.

Wildfires are burning across the western United States, putting people and the environment at risk. EPA researchers are working to better understand the public health impacts of wildfire smoke and teach people about the risks they face. 

School's back in session! To help share EPA’s work with students of all ages, EPA researchers developed several E-STEM resources that can be used in formal and informal educational settings. 


Meet Our Researchers


Gary

Meet EPA Scientist Gary Ankley

EPA toxicologist Gary Ankley has been identifying chemicals and preventing them from contaminating US lakes and waterways for 30 years. His work earned him a nomination in the Career Achievement category in this year’s Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals. Listen to his interview with Federal News Radio


Events



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