Goals and Objectives

The goals of the EERP are to better understand the physical and chemical behavior and fate of EDCs in estuarine systems, and to predict likely endocrine compound exposure scenarios for estuarine organisms. EERP objectives include establishing field sites and conducting long-term field studies in estuaries impacted by endocrine disruptor compounds and in non-impacted (control) estuaries; conducting detailed laboratory-based studies of the physical-chemical behavior of endocrine disruptors in coastal estuarine sediment-water systems; and developing methods for predicting the fate of endocrine disruptors from their introduction into estuarine systems to their sequestration or removal from these systems.

Our Approach

• Creating a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for quantitative analysis of endocrine disruptor chemistry in estuarine water, sediment, plants and organisms
• Partnering with coastal communities and other stakeholders to establish long-term monitoring sites
• Developing new and innovative methods for sampling, analyzing and interpreting field and laboratory results
• Teaming with researchers in a variety of science and engineering disciplines related to EERP studies
• Training undergraduate and graduate students in coastal estuarine environmental science and engineering

In the Field

Field Gallery