This project aims to target potential sources of coastal water pollutants in the Mobile Bay Alabama area, identified through a previously collected fish tissue monitoring dataset. We’ll use data analysis techniques to identify the pollutant sources and create a ranking system to highlight the mostly likely sources. The findings will guide Mobile Baykeeper’s field monitoring efforts in the future and enhance public awareness of coastal water quality. Ultimately, this project will facilitate interventions to reduce pollutants, leading to cleaner water in the community.
Mobile Bay is a significant community located on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. This project represents a collaboration between local nonprofits, particularly the Mobile Baykeeper, and the broader community. Mobile Bay is a major estuary of the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of fish, birds, and marine mammals. It’s a vital resource for both ecological and recreational purposes, serving as a hub for fishing, boating, and tourism.
Mobile Baykeeper is an environmental non-profit group working to defend and revive the coastal waters of Alabama. They are working towards a future where the oyster and seagrass populations return, and people feel safe to fish and swim in our waterways. They work closely with stakeholders, local municipalities and county officials, and other community members to affect this mission and vision.
This endeavor reflects the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and their belief in the power of science to inform and enhance these efforts. The ultimate goal is to ensure cleaner, safer water for all residents and protect the diverse ecosystems that call Mobile’s coastal waters home.
More about Mobile Baykeeper: https://mobilebaykeeper.org/
The community would like to identify the potential sources of water pollutants and create a ranking system to highlight the most likely sources that affect fish consumption safety. This will enable the community to plan for further field monitoring efforts, raising public awareness, and facilitating interventions to reduce pollutants. As a result, this will lead to cleaner water in the community.
Activities:
This project will use the dataset (e.g., discharging data) collected by Mobile Baykeeper to identify potential sources of water pollutants. The most concerning water pollutants have been identified through analysis of fish tissue monitoring data from previous studies. The pollutants may contain: Toxaphene, DDT, Percent Lipids, PCBs, Mercury, Hexachlorobenzene, Heptachlor Epoxide, Dieldrin, Arsenic, etc. We will then use data analysis techniques to pinpoint the potential sources of these pollutants and develop a ranking system to highlight the most likely sources.
Actors:
Mobile Baykeeper, University of South Alabama, US EPA
Outputs:
The project will deliver a detailed report identifying the potential sources of the most concerning pollutants in Mobile Bay. We would like to publish a ranking system highlighting the most likely sources of these pollutants. The findings will be shared with the community, local nonprofits, and government agencies.
Outcomes:
The community will benefit from a clearer understanding of the main contributors to water pollution in Mobile Bay. This knowledge can guide policy and regulations, leading to more effective pollution control measures.
Impact:
The ultimate impact of this project will be cleaner, safer water for all residents and a healthier ecosystem in Mobile Bay. The methodologies and findings could also serve as a model for other communities facing similar issues, contributing to broader efforts to protect and preserve our planet’s water resources.
Proposed timeline:
June 2024 ~ July 2024: Finalize project description and prepare dataset for the project.
Aug 2024 ~ Sept 2024: Search for, select, and connect with scientists.
Fall 2024: Begin incorporating data analysis within the project team.
Please note that this timeline is subject to updates and modifications based on evolving conditions.
Cassie Bates
Cassie grew up in the Phenix City, Alabama/Columbus, Georgia area. Despite being fairly landlocked, she always harbored a passion for estuarine, coastal, and marine science. At LaGrange College, she earned a B.S. in Biology with minors in Servant Leadership and Sustainability, and recently completed a M.S. degree in Marine Conservation and Resource Management at the University of South Alabama. After graduating, she worked as a Lab Manager/Technician at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, where she processed Arctic cruise samples of phytoplankton communities.
As the Staff Scientist at Mobile Baykeeper, Cassie collaborates with stakeholders in our community to incorporate diverse technical expertise to inform the work we do. She also stays up-to-date on research and findings that guide our programmatic decision making towards successful outcomes.
Cassie is passionate about making scientific information both tangible and accessible to communities who are directly impacted by environmental concerns and inspiring them to become engaged in making our watershed a healthy and sustainable resource
Shenglun Wu
Shenglun Wu (he/him) is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Davis. His current research focuses on investigating the spatial and temporal pattern of Ozone photochemistry and their implications to Ozone control strategies in California. He is particularly interested in using ground-based measurements, remote sensing, and modeling techniques to address urban and regional air quality issues. Prior to his graduate studies, he earned his B.Eng. in Environmental Engineering at Zhejiang University in China. In his spare time, he is a soccer fan and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking.
The Project Scientist will work closely with the community to apply appropriate data analysis techniques to investigate the potential sources of a list of concerning water pollutants in the Coastal of Alabama. The responsibilities will include:
Qualifications:
Desire skills:
Thriving Earth Exchange asks all scientific partners to work with the community to help define a project with concrete local impact to which they can contribute as pro-bono volunteers and collaborators. This work can also position the scientists and communities to seek additional funding, together, for the next stage.
