Research

Goal

Our main goal is to understand how aquatic ecosystems interacting with groundwater respond to human actions. We also aim to understand the effects of climate change and biological activity. This research enhances knowledge of their resilience to environmental change.

Survey of a coastal lagoon by boat, determining radon gas (222Rn) in water as a tracer for submarine groundwater discharge
Survey of a coastal lagoon by boat, determining radon gas (Rn-222) in water as a tracer for submarine groundwater discharge. Ria Formosa, Portugal, December 2009.

Research

Our research studies processes affecting the transport, fate, and impact of chemical species, including contaminants, in aquatic ecosystems. We develop novel tools to detect, map and describe groundwater-surface water interactions and their effects on ocean chemistry and ecology. These studies aim to increase our understanding of carbon and nutrient transport, bioavailability, and reactivity in the aquatic environment. 

Water samples being filtered through manganese fiber filters, to capture natural isotopes of radium.
Water samples being filtered through manganese fiber cartridges, to capture natural isotopes of radium. The concentrations of different radium isotopes help us measure the time that has passed since water at sea contacted aquifers on land. This is just one example of their use.