In my lab, we are interested in how inorganic substances cycle through ecosystems: where they come from, how they function, and where they go.  We study both natural compounds and nonpoint source contaminants, and we like to look at whole systems, including biota, soils, water, air, and the built environment. 

The ultimate goals are to understand how ecosystems function chemically, and how this knowledge can be used to reduce pollution and its impacts.  Generally, the research uses the watershed framework and builds mass balances, and it exploits automated high frequency continuous monitoring to shed light on more esoteric substances that cannot be measured via automation.  We also test and optimize “green” water pollution control technologies, and use radionuclides like ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs either as tracers or to provide information about the history of pollution.