vironmental Protection
 jncy
Research And Development
(8703)
EPA600-R-94-158
January 1995
Annual Report Of The
Research Grants Program
1994
Office Of Exploratory Research

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                                INTRODUCTION

      The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in its unique
role, provides the joint protection of environmental quality and human health through
effective regulations and policy decisions. As effective environmental policies rely on
sound science, EPA's Office of Research and Development (ORD) is committed to
providing the best possible products in the areas of research, development, and technical
support. A significant challenge is to support long-term research that anticipates future
environmental problems and strives to fill significant gaps in knowledge relevant to
meeting regulatory goals.

      Since 1980, the Office of Exploratory Research* within ORD has operated a
competitive, peer-reviewed, extramural investigator-initiated research grants program to
promote close cooperation with the scientific community and support basic research on
environmental issues. Funding for the program has fluctuated between $5 million and
$25 million per year,  and funding in FY 1994 was $21 million.  Applications for FY 1994
research grants were received in response to an annual General  Solicitation for
Applications, which focuses on broad environmental fields such as biology, chemistry,
physics, engineering, and socioeconomics. This document provides  a summary of the
1994 research grants  within this program.

      Over the next three years, ORD plans to expand its extramural grants program.
The funding level for the program will be an estimated $44 million in FY 1995 and is
expected to grow further in subsequent years with the goal of achieving an annual
funding level of $100 million.  If fully implemented,  such an expanded program would
enable funding of about 200 new grants every year,  with a typical grant lasting three
years. Through special solicitations called Requests for Applications (RFA's), EPA will
solicit proposals in well-defined, high priority research areas. For FY 1995 these RFA's
will focus on areas where risk assessors are most in need of new concepts, data, and
methods, as well as socioeconomic projects related to pollution prevention.

      EPA also is working with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to jointly  solicit
and evaluate proposals under this program, and it  is  expected that this partnership with
NSF will lead to both agencies providing funding  for innovative research in
environmental science and engineering. EPA and NSF have agreed on broad topical
areas of interest to both agencies:  technology for a sustainable future,  contingent
valuation and environmental policy, and water and watersheds.
* In 1995, as part of an ORD reorganization, OER became the Environmental
Sciences Research Division (ESRD) within the National Center for Environmental
Research and Quality Assurance. Another new division, the Environmental
Engineering Research Division (EERD) within this Center, is now responsible for the
administration of grants related to engineering research and technology
development.
                                        1
                                                    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                                                           5- Ubrary (PL-12J)

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      All grants are selected on the basis of technical merit, budget, and a well-balanced
research program.  Grants selection follows a review of each proposal by experts in the
relevant fields. Ad hoc technical review groups, chaired by scientists or engineers
outside EPA, meet periodically to evaluate the merits of proposals.

      The progress of each grant is given in technical reports or by the publication of
scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. Grantees will be expected to participate in
EPA-sponsored workshops and seminars featuring their work accomplishments.

      Requests for information on ORD's research grants program should be directed
to:
                          Melinda L. McClanahan, Ph.D.
                           Associate Director for Science
                          National Center  for Environmental Research
                              and Quality  Assurance
                           U.S. Environmental  Protection Agency
                          401 M Street, S.W.
                           Washington DC 20460

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                                CONTENTS



                                                                Page



       LIST OF AWARDS                                              4



       ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY                                     10



       ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS (AIR)                   22



       ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS (WATER)                26



       ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING                                 31



       ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOECONOMICS                              35



«}      INDEX                                                      37
V

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                            LIST OF AWARDS—1994
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY                                                       Page
The Impact of Paper Mill Effluent on the Reproduction,
Growth, Behavior, Fitness, and Survivorship of Coastal
Fishes. R82-1143-010                                                                           10

The Effects of Ultraviolet-B Radiation on Marine Species.
R82-1191-010                                                                                 10

Biological Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Lignin-
Derived Macromolecules. R82-1192-010                                                          10

Artificial Stable RNAs: A Novel Approach for Monitoring
Genetically Engineered Microorganisms. R82-1205-010                                             11

Long-Term Variation in Fish Assemblages of Warm-Water
Stresses: Natural Variations  and Approaches  to Detecting.
Variation.  R82-1224-010                                                                        11

Small Mammal Population Responses to Multiple Stressors.
R82-1230-010                                                                                 12

Ecology of Hyporheic and Groundwater Communities: Distribution,
Response, and Recovery from Disturbances. R82-1250-010                                          12

Metabolism of Methylated Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons by
Microorganisms. R82-1251-010                                                                  12

Biochemistry of Chloroaromatic Pollutant Degradation by the Wood
Rotting Fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium. R82-1269-010                                        12

Kinetic Studies of 4-Chlorobenzoyl CoA Dehalogenase.
R82-1274-010                                                                                 13

Activity and Regulation by UV-light of DNA Repair
Functions of Declining and Persistent Amphibian
Populations. R82-1275-010                                                                      13
Transport, Degradation, and Survival of Free and Encapsulated
Microbial Cells in a Heterogeneous Subsurface Environment.
R82-1284-010                                                                                 14

Immunotoxicity: A Sensitive Biomarker for Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbon Exposure. R82-1368-010                                                           14

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                                                                                              Page

Effect of DNA Sequence Divergence on Gene Transfer Between
Bacterial Species. R82-1388-010                                                                    14

Development of Specific Gene Probes for Giardia Spp. to Resolve
Zoonotic Origin of Water-Borne Giardiasis. R82-1404-010                                           15

Degradation of Alkyl Halides by Nitrifying Bacteria Associated
with Soil. R82-1405-010                                                                           15

Integrated Indicators of Stress in Playa Lakes: Wetland
Ecosystems in a Sea of Aridity and Agriculture. R82-1671-010                                        15

Potential Ecological Effects of Baculovirus Pesticides on
Nontarget Insect Species. R82-1864-010                                                             16

Effects of Metals on Immunological Dysfunction and Metalliothionein
Modulation in Hemocytes and Oysters Infected with Perkinsus marinus:
A Characterization of Putative Environmental Biomarkers.
R82-2282-010                                                                                    16

Treehole Communities as Bioindicators of Forest Stemflow
Pollution and Ecosystem Stress. R82-2298-010                                                       17

Simultaneous Microbial Detoxification of Chromium and  Organic
Pollutants. R82-2307-010                                                                          17

Degradation of Environmental Pollutants by Plants.
R82-2329-010
                                                                                                 17
Analysis of Photosynthetic Markers of Stress Caused by Plant
Exposure to UV-B Light. R82-2346-01018                                                          18

Field and Microcosm Studies for Evaluating the
Bioremediatiion Potential of Genetically
Engineered Microorganisms in Aquifers.  R82-2393-010                                               18

Assessing the Response of Three Pine Species to Ozone,
Utilizing the Antioxidants Ethylenediurea and Sodium
Erythobate. R82-2405-010
                                                                                                 18
Investigation of Linkages Between Biomarker Indicators
and Population-Level Responses. R82-2407-010                                                      19

Studies on the Mechanisms Underlying Lichen Sensitivity
to SO2 and Ov R82-2455-010                                                                      19

Aquatic Invertebrate Succession in Freshwater Marshes:
An Evaluation of Acquired Function in Created and
Restored Wetlands. R82-2467-010                                                                  19

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                                                                                           Page

Anaerobic Degradation of Chlorinated Benzoic Acid Herbicides
Coupled to Denitrification. R82-2487-010                                                         19

Comparative Mechanisms of Hydrocarbon Metabolism and
Genotoxicity in Two Ictalui id Fishes. R82-2509                                                    20

Expression and Functional Roles of the Maize MnSod
Multigene Family During Development and Under
Environmental Stress. R82-2546-010                                                              20

A Molecular Approach for the Study of Environmental
Carcinogenesis. R82_2913                                                                       20

Use of Remotely  Sensed Data on Phenological Activity
and Heterogeneity to Detect Changes in Grassland
Species Composition in Response to Stress.
R82-3605-010                                                                                  21

Testing the Estuarine Biotic Integrity Index
Across Biogeographic Regions. R82-3606-010                                                      21

A Novel Approach for Assessment of Anthropogenic
Disturbance: A Search for Bacterial Indicator
Species in Southwestern Streams and Rivers.
R82-3749-010                                                                                  21
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS (AIR)
Determination of Trace Atmospheric Gases by
Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). Size-Selecting
Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheric Particles
by CE-Based Analyzer. R82-1117-010                                                            22

Advanced Modeling of Concentration Fluctuations.
Reactive Plumes Surface Inhomogeneity. R82-1210-010                                             23

Development of New Techniques for Atmospheric
Profiling  of Hydrocarbon Oxidation Products Using
Kites as "Sky Hooks"                                                                           22

Heterogeneous Gas-Liquid Interactions Related to
Tropospheric Ozone Formation-Destruction Processes.
R82-1256-010                                                                                  22

Applications of Receptor Modeling to Time Series
Data for Aerosol Chemical Components. R82-1288-010                                             22

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                                                                                           Page

Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Dispersion
and Relative Diffusion. R82-1340-010                                                             23

Development of New Isotopic Techniques for
Resolution of the Atmospheric N2O Budget. R82-2264-010                                          23

A Study of Absorptive Gas/Particle Partitioning
to Ambient Aerosol Organic Material. R82-2312-010                                               23

2 to 5 urn Room-Temperature Semiconductor Multiquantum
Well Tunable Photodetectors for Ultrasensitive
Detection of Hazardous Pollutants. R82-2351-0102                                                 23

Stratospheric Sulfate Aerosols and Heterogeneous Ozone
Destruction. R82-2453-010                                                                      24

Influence of Organic Films on Reactivity and Hydroscopicity
of Sulfuric Acid Aerosol. R82-2476-010                                                           24

Development of Multivariate  Receptor Models for the
Determination of the Sources of Airborne Pollutants.
R82-2482-010                                                                                  24

Absorption of Sulfuric Dioxide by Circulating and
Oscillating Drops. R82-2518-010                                                                 24

Characterizations of Motor Vehicle Emissions. R82-2562-010                                        25
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS (WATER)

Quantitative Analysis Directly from Matrices
Using TOF-SIMS. R81-9809-010                                                                 26

Configuration and Sorption Properties of Two Synthetic
Humic Substance Analogs: Polymaleic Acid and Pyrene-
Labeled Polyacrylic Acid. R81-9866-010                                                           26

Integrated Subsurface Imaging for Hydrologic Site
Characteristics. R81-9885-010                                                                   26

Reactive Contaminant Transport in Variable Density
Flow Systems. R81-9976-010                                                                     27

NMR for Diagnostic Testing of Solidified Hazardous
Waste. R82-0024-010                                                                           27

Using Cadmium-113 Nuclear  Resonance  Spectroscopy to Study
Cation Binding by Organic Matter. R82-0277-010                                                  27

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                                                                                           Page

Solventless Extraction of Organic Pollutants from Water
with Solid-Base Microextraction. R82-0459-010                                                    28

Sorption and Transport of HOCs in Aquatic                          '
Systems. R82-0944-010                                                                          28

Chemically Selective Fiber Optic Detection and
Characterization of Aqueous Impurities. R82-1325-010                                              28

Development of Extraction and HPLC Methods Based on
Enhanced-Fluidity Liquids for the Analysis of Polar
Contaminants in  Sand, Soil, and Sediments. R82-1359-010                                           29

Geostatistical Analysis of Solute Transport in Alluvial
Fan Facies. R82-1400-010                                                                       29

Development of a Portable Gas Chromatograph-Mass
Spectrograph (GC- MS) with a Microbore Column and an
Array Deractor for Field Measurements.
R82-2605-010                                                                                  29
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Colloid-Facilitated Transport of Heavy Metals in a
Sludge Amended Agroforestry System. R81-9996-010                                               31

Development of an Adaptive Methodology for On-Line
Computerized Modelling and Read Time Control of
Wastewater Treatment Facilities. R82-0181-010                                                    31

Engineering of Oxidation and Granular Activated
Carbon Treatment Processes to Meet New Objectives
in Drinking Water Treatment. R82-0184-010                                                      31

Development of an Economic Treatment System to Detoxify
Organic Chemicals. R82-0921-010                                                                31

Remediation of Metal Contaminated Soil Complexing
Agents Incorporating Metal Recovery and Chelator
Recovery. R82-1050-010                                                                         32

VUV-Photoionization Mass Spectrometry as a
Combustor/Incinerator Diagnostic Tool. R82-1206-010                                              32

Fate of Bromide Ion and Bromide Compounds in Water
Treatment. R82-1245-010                                                                       32

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                                                                                         Page

Phytoremediation: Using Plants to Clean up Toxic
Metal-Contaminated Soils and Water.
R82-1550-010                                                                                33

Fabrication and Evaluation of Fiber Optic
Photoreactors for the Photocatalytic Degradation
of Organic Contaminants and the Photoplating
Stripping of Heavy Metals.
R82-2591-010                                                                                33

ENVIRONMENTA1 SOCIOECONOMICS

Regulating Nonpoint Source Pollution in
Heterogenous Conditions. R82-2334-010                                                         35

Enforcement and Monitoring of Environmental
Laws: An Experimental Examination of
Compliance with Pollution Standards. R82-2363-010                                              35

Liability-Based Funding and Superfund Clean-up
Strategies: PRP Involvement and the Pace of
Progress. R82-2368-010                                                                        35

Verbal Protocol Analysis of Cost Valuation Responses.
R82-2446-010                                                                                36

Characterizing and Interpreting Perceived Ecological
Risk. R82-2464                                                                               36

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               SUMMARY OF AWARDS  1994:  ABSTRACT
                          ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
R82-1143-010

The  Impact  of Paper  Mill  Effluent  on  the
Reproduction, Growth, Behavior, Fitness
and Survivorship of Coastal Fishes

Institution: University of West Florida
Principal Investigator: Stephen  A. Bortone
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $319,771

The purpose of this project is to determine the impact
of Kraft Mill Effluent (KME)  on  the  life  history
attributes and fitness of coastal  fishes.  Through  a
series of field observations  and controlled laboratory
exposures  to  KME,  three  livebearing and  one
egglaying coastal fish species will be examined to
determine the extent to which various concentrations
of KME affect  their  life  history attributes.  The
degree  of masculinization of female livbearing fishes
will be documented in the laboratory  and the field.
These   observations  will  be  correlated   with
manipulated concentrations of KME.  A behavioral
bioassay will be developed to permit a quick  and
inexpensive assessment of the presence and impact of
KME on aquatic organisms.  The impact that KME
exposure has on  subsequent  generations of fishes,
removed from KME, will permit the determination of
the long-term  impact that  KME  may have on
livebearing   and  egglaying   coastal   fishes.
Additionally, historical field collections of these fishes
will be examined to give perspective to the long-term
impacts that KME may have had on some coastal
aquatic fish communities. By carefully examining the
life history attributes  of KME exposed  fishes, the
researchers can  determine the potential that KME has
on altering the fitness of selected fish species.

R82-1191-010

The Effects of Ultraviolet-B Radiation on Marine
Phytoplankton Species
Institution: University of Miami
Principal Investigator: Larry Brand
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $373,417

The purpose of this project is to determine the effects
of ultraviolet-B radiation on marine phytoplankton
species.   Because of differences  among species,
environmental perturbations often cause changes in
species composition in a  planktonic  community long
before   a   significant   change   in   composite
characteristics  such as standing  stock  biomass or
primary productivity occurs. The researchers propose
to  examine  and  compare  a  wide  variety  of
phytoplankton species in  their sensitivity to UV-B to
determine which species  are most  sensitive and  if
future increases in UV-B will lead to a significant
shift in phytoplankton species composition,  which
could disrupt marine food  webs at higher trophic
levels. The research will emphasize the use of truly
representative species in  a realistic light regime that
takes into account the entire  UV-B: UV-A:  PAR
spectrum that is found  at various  depths, and the
temporal fluctuations  in light that phytoplankton
experience as a result of hydrographic vertical mixing.

R82-1192-010

Biological Effects and Mechanisms of Action of
Lignin-Derived Macromolecules

Institution: University of California, Davis
Principal Investigator: Gary N. Chen-
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $311,413

The  objectives of this project  are to determine the
specific  biological effects  on developing marine
organisms and the mechanisms of  action  of lignin-
derived macromolecules (LDMs) which are present in
various pulp  mill  effluents.   The  researchers will
                                                  10

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utilize early life stages of  potentially impacted
organisms of economic and ecological importance,
which  are  also  excellent   model   systems  for
investigating mechanisms of action of toxicants at the
cellular and subcellular levels.  In  Objective  I, the
researchers  will investigate the specific effects  of
LDMs on (1) sea urchin sperm functions, (2) specific
events during sea urchin embryonic development, and
(3) temporally  and mechanistically distinct events
during  algal  gametophyte  development.    These
biological effects will be investigated using LDMs
from   different  sources,  which  possess  different
physical and chemical characteristics. In Objective II,
the researchers  will determine the cell types  affected
and the subcellular distribution of LDMs at the target
sites and correlate this with effects on intracellular ion
regulation (Objective  III). Finally,  in Objective IV,
the researchers  will  determine if  LDM effects
development by perturbing cell surface receptor-ligand
interactions. These objectives  will be accomplished,
in part, by using morphological analyses at the light
and electron  microscopic levels,  high resolution
techniques for localizing LDMs at  target sites, and
intracellular ion  probes together with quantitative
subcellular  imaging   of living  cells  (or  cells  in
embryos), which have been sublethally affected by
LDMs, using scanning laser confocal microscopy.

R82-1205-010

Artificial Stable RNAs: A  Novel Approach  for
Monitoring   Genetically   Engineered
Microorganisms

Institution:  University of Houston
Principal Investigator: George E. Fox
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $199,795

The purpose  of  this  project  is  to  address  the
remaining technical problems that stand in the way of
practical testing of the use of artificial stable RNAs to
serve  as the target using standard  rRNA detection
technology.  Of  first priority is the modification of
the   existing    prototype   cassettes   such   that
nonribosomal target sequences can be readily added
to  the  stable  RNA  product.     Once   this  is
accomplished,   the utility  of  the  system  will be
demonstrated by incorporating  a  target sequence
which is  known to  be of  potential  value  in
environmental monitoring.  Secondly, it is clear that
in practical applications, E. coli is not in general the
most   suitable  host  for  genetically  engineered
microorganisms (OEMs) that  would be used in the
environment. It will typically be necessary to be able
to readily transfer the cassette system to other hosts.
A second major project goal  then  will be  the
development of rather standard procedures  for doing
this. To that end, cassettes will be transferred to one
or more species of Vibrio.  Finally, an abbreviated
version of the cassette will  be inserted  into  two
Pseudomonas strains that have been  engineered by
another group and already shown to be effective in
realistic  microcosms.   The key  issue  here is to
determine whether or not the RNA will accumulate to
an adequate level when a  weaker promoter is used.

R82-1224-010

Long-Term  Variation  in Fish  Assemblages  of
Warm-Water Stresses:  Natural Variance  and
Approaches to Detecting Variation

Institution: University of Oklahoma
Principal Investigators: William J. Matthews;
                   Frances P. Galwick
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $221,238

The purpose of this  project is to assess amounts of
change in the composition of natural stream  fish
communities  at  various  spatial  scales  and  over
ecologically brief (monthly or seasonal) as well as
long (multigenerational) periods of time. At all scales
the researchers  will  survey  fish by  underwater
observation or seining in order to document in detail
all  of the fish species present  and  their relative
abundance in the community,  matching present-day
sampling techniques  with those used in these sites in
previous collections  over the last 20+ years.  At the
most  finely-grained  focus (individual habitat units;
monthly)  the researchers  will evaluate changes in
composition offish assemblages in individual pools of
one small stream over a period of one year. At an
intermediate   spatial  and   temporal  grain,   the
researchers will quantify changes in fish composition
across  seasons  and  years  at  numerous  (6-12)
individual  sites (i.e., 200-300 m reaches) in  one
upland stream and one  prairie stream over a period
spanning 20-25 years.  At the  broadest special scale
the researchers will measure changes  in midwestern
and southwestern fish communities at approximately
                                                    11

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80 stream sites from Iowa and Nebraska southward
through  Texas,  and  compare  the  present-day
communities to those that existed in 1978.  At all
spatial and temporal scales, the fish communities that
exist today  will be compared with those that were
present during surveys of those streams by one of the
investigators during the  last 20 years,  in  order to
provide  a  measure  of  natural changes in  fish
communities.

R82-1230-010

Small Mammal Population Responses  to Multiple
Stressors

Institution: University of California
Principal Investigator: William Z.  Lidicker
Project Period: 1 year
Project Amount: $100,920

By  using  the  species  gray-tailed  vole (Microtus
canicaudus} as a model organism, the researchers will
simulate the  effects  of  habitat fragmentation  by
creating small, closed populations in  seminatural field
enclosures.  Also, they will simulate the effects of
population  bottlenecks  by  reducing  the  genetic
variation of populations through inbreeding.  Three
types of genetic populations with average inbreeding
coefficients (F) similar to what may occur under some
natural  population bottlenecks  will be created  in
captivity by mating voles of known relatedness: (1)
highly-inbred (F of about 0.7), (2) moderately in-bred
(F of  about 0.2), and (3) outcrossed  (not  inbred
relative  to  founder  population).   In  a series  of
experiments conducted both in the laboratory and in
the field, the researchers will test the susceptibility of
individuals and populations with varying degrees of
genetic variability to multiple environmental stressors.
In laboratory experiments they will test how exposure
to realistic  levels  of organophosphate pesticides,
nematode parasites, or both types of stressors affect
acute pesticide toxicity, parasite resistance, and social
dominance in males.  In  the field they will examine
population  growth  rates,  extinction  rates,   and
demographic  responses   of  the variously  inbred
populations  before and after pesticide applications.
R82-1250-010

Ecology   of   Hyporheic   and    Groundwater
Communities:   Distribution,
Recovery from Disturbance
Response,   and
Institution: Arizona State University
Principal Investigator: Stuart G. Fisher
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $67,322

The purpose  of  this  project  is  to  explore  the
proposition that deserts support widespread, thriving
flowing-water   ecosystems   beneath   surface-dry
channels, protected from evaporation loss and intense
heat.  The research  will be done on the hyporheic
ecosystem  of the Sonoran  Desert of  Arizona.  The
researchers  will determine the distribution  of the
community  in  regional space  and its  response to
drying  by  examining  a  suite  of  streams  on  a
continuum of flow  permanence.  They  will also
describe the ecological conditions required to support
such a  community and its capacity  to respond to
stress  associated  with  low-oxygen  and  elevated-
temperature conditions.  Finally, they will investigate
the  mechanisms  utilized  by   members  of  this
community to persist in the face of devastating natural
disturbance in the  form of  scouring flash floods and
protracted drought.

R82-1251-010

Metabolism of Methylated Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons by Microorganisms

Institution: State University of New York
Principal Investigator Harish C. Sikka
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $375,906

The specific aims of the project are to (1) determine
the kinetics of degradation of  2-methylfluoranthene
and 5-methylchrysene by Pseudomonas paucimobilis,
strain  EPA505,  which  is capable  of degrading
unsubstituted  higher-molecular-weight   PAHs,  (2)
characterize and quantitaie the products resulting from
the  metabolism   of  2-MeF   and 5-MeC  by  P.
paucimobilis, and  (3) investigate the  metabolism of
fluoranthene and  chrysene by P. paucimobilis as
above  in  order to assess  the  influence of methyl
substitution on the microbial metabolism of the parent
hydrocarbons.

R82-1269-010
                                                    12

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Biochemistry   of   Chloroaromatic   Pollutant
Degradation  by  the  Wood  Rotting   Fungus
Phanerochaete ckrysosporium

Institution: Oregon Graduate Institute of
   Science & Technology
Principal Investigator M. H. Gold
Project Period: 3 Years
Project Amount: $380,799

The purpose of this project is to continue studies on
the biochemistry of Chloroaromatic  degradation by
Phanerochaete  chrysosporium.    The research plan
has  four   objectives:  (1)  continuation   of  the
researchers'   investigations   of   chlorophenol
metabolism  by   P.   chrysosporium  specifically
elucidating the reactions and enzymes involved in the
degradation of 2,4,6-trichloro- and pentachlorophenol,
(2) examination of the oxidation mechanism involved
in the degradation of chlorophenoxyacetic acids and
their  corresponding  phenoxypropionic  acids,  (3)
examination of the oxidation mechanism of a variety
of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins     and dibenzo-p-
furans by fungal-generated peroxidase and by whole
fungal    cultures,   and   (4)   identification    and
characterization of the intracellular dioxygenase(s) and
quinone reductase(s) which the researchers previously
demonstrated to be involved in the degradation of
chlorinated aromatics by P. chrysosporium.

R82-1274-010

Kinetic   Studies   of   4-Chlorobenzoyl    CoA
Dehalogenase

Institution: University of Colorado
Principal Investigator: Shelley D. Copley
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $359,002

In this project the researchers describe studies of 4-
chlorobenzoyl CoAdehalogenase, an enzyme required
for biodegradation of 4-chlorobenzoate, a breakdown
product of some PCB congeners and some herbicides.
The4-Chlorobenzoyl CoA dehalogenase catalyzes the
replacement of a chlorine substitute  on an aromatic
substrate with a hydroxyl group.  The objectives of
this research program are to understand in detail how
the enzyme catalyzes  the reaction and to define the
important interactions  between the  active site and
substrate molecules. A number of kinetic experiments
designed to provide insight into the mechanism and
substance specificity of the dehalogenase enzyme will
be done. The researchers plan to study the chemical
and physical processes occurring on the surface of the
enzyme using stopped-flow UV-vis and fluorescence
spectrometry.  A major  effort  will be  directed at
identifying   the   rate-determining  step  for  the
dehalogenation reaction.  The possibility that product
release is the rate-determining step will be evaluated
using rapid flow-quench experiments. The possibility
that  the carbon-chlorine bond cleavage  is the rate-
determining step  will  be evaluated by measuring the
"Cl-kinetic isotope effect.  The researchers also plan
to explore  the ability  of the enzyme  to catalyze
dehalogenation of a variety of chlorinated compounds
in order to determine the natural range of substrates
for the enzyme and to determine the role of various
parts of the substrate  in binding  and catalysis.

R82-1275-010

Activity and  Regulation  by  UV-Hght  of  DNA
Repair  Functions of Declining  and  Persistent
Amphibian Populations

Institution: Oregon State University
Principal Investigator: John Hays
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $359,002

The  purpose of  this  project is  to  investigate  what
effect the global change of increased terrestrial UV-B
irradiance, an expected result of stratospheric  ozone
depletion,  may  have  on  the  decline  of certain
amphibian populations which are sensitive and are
providing   "early  warning"  for other  vertebrates.
Three aspects  of certain  observations  will  be
addressed.    First,  in  order to  determine whether
differences  in  oocyte and  egg  photolyase activity
reflect to some extent adaptive responses  to exposure
to sunlight,  the researchers will rear four frog and
toad species under room lighting, room lighting plus
UV-B, and sunlight: the African clawed frog, Xenopus
laevis,  laboratory-reared   specimens   of  which
previously  showed very  low photolyase  levels in
oocytes; the Pacific tree  frog, Hyla regilla, whose
populations  are not in decline;   the Cascades  frog,
Rana cascadae; and the Western toad, Bufo boreas,
whose populations show severe  declines.  Each  will
be reared  from  sexual  immaturity  to  egg-laying
maturity, and photolyase levels in skin, muscle, liver,
                                                   13

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and  oocytes (as they develop) and (finally) eggs,
assayed  at  intervals.    Removal  of cyclobutane
pyrimidine dimers from radiolabeled exogenous DNA
will  be measured chromatographically.  Second, in
order  to  determine  whether the  eleven  species
previously studied differ significantly with respect to
other DNA repair activities in eggs or oocytes, the
researchers will measure two excision-repair activities,
using frozen  tissues on hand and fresh  specimens
from the wild.  AP  endonuclease will be assayed as
nicking of end-radiolabeled synthetic  abasic DNA
(tetrahydrofuran-residue)  substrate, and  chemical-
adduct  repair  as  repair  synthesis   (radiolabeled
nucleotide incorporation) in the vicinity of a defined
single acetylaminofluorene (AAF) adduct.  Third, to
determine whether  UV stimulation  of photolyase
activity   involves   increased   transcription,  the
researchers  will  determine  at   which  stages  of
development  UV-B exposure  can stimulate oocyte
levels  in oocytes,  and measure  photolyase mRNA
before and after UV. In order to measure the mRNA,
by  hybridization  ("Southern  blotting") techniques
using a photolyase- gene DNA probe, the researchers
will  clone the gene. They will construct a A,-phage
cDNA  library  for  each   species,   which   will
subsequently  be generally available to investigators
studying amphibian decline.   The  researchers  will
screen it for photolyase cDNA by hybridization with
a probe generated by polymerase chain reaction, using
conserved (microbial)-photolyase-sequence  primers
and bulk amphibian DNA. The researchers will also
select for the photolyase gene by complementation of
microbial mutations.

R82-1284-010
Transport, Degradation, and Survival of Free and
Encapsulated Microbial Cells in a Heterogeneous
Subsurface Environment

Institution: University of Idaho
Principal Investigator: Ronald L. Crawford
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $304,492

The purpose  of the project is  to  document the
feasibility of encapsulated-cell bioremediation for  a
representative  heterogeneous,   confined   aquifer
consisting of unconsolidated sediments. The research
will take place in a confined  heterogeneous aquifer
underlying the University of  Idaho's Plant Science
Farm. The aquifer ranges from about 1 to 1.5 meters
in thickness.  It consists of interbedded silt, sand, and
gravel zones.  The researchers will install additional
monitoring well clusters, aquifer characterization, and
hydraulic testing. Induced-gradient tracer tests will be
conducted   using   conservative   ion   tracers,  a
chlorinated-phenol-degrading Flavobacterium (ATCC
39723)  as free cells, encapsulated Flavobacterium
cells, and polystyrene microspheres.  The final task
will be to correlate the results of the degradation and
survival experiments with the hydraulic  testing and
tracer testing results.

R82-1368-010

Inununotoxicity:  A  Sensitive   Biomarker   for
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure

Institution:  Clemson University Research
          Foundation
Principal Investigators: R. L. Dickerson; G.
                   C. Cobb
Project Period: 2 year
Project Amount: $235,586

The  purpose of the project is to demonstrate that
alterations in  immunological  parameters are  more
sensitive  biomarkers of  exposure  to  polynuclear
aromatic  hydrocarbons  (PAHs)  than  is  elevated
ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase  activity,   the  most
commonly used biomarker for exposure  to  these
chemicals. The project has three stages.  In the first
stage, dose-response studies using laboratory-raised
deer  mice,   Peromyscus   maniculatus,  will  be
conducted   with    11   PAHs    and   2,3,7,8-
tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.   The   alterations  in
macrophage phagocytosis, lymphocyte blastogenesis,
and  spleen  plaque-forming cell  activity   will be
measured. These parameters allow the assessment of
non-specific, humoral,  and  cell-mediated immune
status.  Wildlife with a compromised immune system
are more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections,
parasite infestations, and tumors than are animals with
an intact immune system.  The  second stage will
involve placing enclosures of deer mice on a PAH-
contaminated Superfund site.  After two weeks on the
site, the  mice will  be euthanized and the  same
immunological parameters measured and compared to
those of control animals. The third stage will consist
of capturing wild deer mice from contaminated sites
and  measuring the same immune functions.

R82-1388-010
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Effect of DNA  Sequence Divergence  on  Gene
Transfer Between Bacterial Species

Institution:  Wesleyan University
Principal  Investigator: Frederick M. Cohan
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $339,945

The purpose of  the  project  is to investigate  the
possibility  of a  general  approach to the  indirect
prediction of sexual isolation in bacteria recombining
principally by natural  transformation.   Using both
genomic DNA and a PCR-amplified segment of gene
rpoB as donor,  the researchers found that the extent
of  sexual  isolation  at  locus rpoB  was  closely
predicted,  over three orders of magnitude as a log-
linear function of sequence divergence, at that locus.
Because sexual isolation between a recipient  and any
potential donor  may  be  determined  as  a  general
mathematical  function  of  sequence  divergence,
transformation is  perhaps  the only sexual system in
either  the prokaryotic or the eukaryotic world  in
which sexual isolation can be predicted for a pair of
species without having to  perform the cross.

R82-1404-010

Development of Specific  Gene Probes for Giardia
Spp. to Resolve  Zoonotic Origin of Water-Borne
Giardiasis

Institution:  University of Minnesota
Principal  Investigator: Stanley L. Erlandsen
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $362,537

The purpose of this project is to develop and  test a
gene probe that will have the resolution to  identify
various species of giardia.  The approach in this effort
is to investigate a unique section  of  the ribosomal
DNA  (rDNA)  that may  be used  to  develop gene
probes which can distinguish  infectious  G.  lamblia
(human), G.  muris  (mouse), and G. ardeae (bird).
From a library of the sequences of the small subunit
(SSU) of rDNA,  the investigator will (1) develop a
library of additional rDNA sequences  from several
human giardia isolates to select conserved regions for
developing rDNA probes that recognize all G.  lamblia
isolates from humans, (2) construct new  primer sets
for polymerase chain  reaction (PCR) amplifications
that will facilitate sequencing base pairs  1-500 SSU
rDNA and the entire SSU gene, (3) use the  specific
rDNA gene probes to screen potential candidates for
the zoonotic spread of giardiasis, (4) compare rDNAI
sequences  from G. lamblia isolates to those from
animal  giardia spp.  for the purpose  of  designing
diagnostic  species-specific  probe  for identifying
giardia  from  humans  and animals;  and  (5)  use
diagnostic rDNAI gene probes to identify giardia ssp.
recovered from environmental test samples collected
at sites of water-borne giardiasis outbreak.

R82-1405-010

Degradation  of  Alkyl  Halides   by  Nitrifying
Bacteria Associated with Soil

Institution: Oregon State University
Principal Investigator: Daniel  J. Arp
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $369,750

The  purpose  of  this project  is to  evaluate  the
oxidation  of alkyl halides  by  ammonia  oxidizers
associated with soils at population densities, and over
time courses that are closer to  the realities of field
conditions. Toward this end, the following objectives
have been  formulated to evaluate (1) the kinetics of
oxidation of methyl bromide and trichloroethylene by
Nitrosomonas europaea adsorbed to soil solids,  (2)
the sustainability of these oxidations by N. europaea
under  conditions  of  intact   soil  structure   and
nonsaturated  water, (3) the characteristics of alkyl
halide oxidation by the indigenous ammonia-oxidizing
population in soil.  Two soils  will be used in these
studies. One will represent subsurface  aquifer solids
obtained from Moffet Naval Air Station in California,
and the other will represent surface agricultural  soil
from Oregon.  Two substrates will be used:  methyl
bromide, which represents those compounds that  can
be transformed into nontoxic carbon compounds;  and
trichloroethylene, which represents those compounds
for which degradation leads to inactivation of cellular
functions.

R82-1671-010

Integrated Indicators  of  Stress in Playa  Lakes:
Wetland  Ecosystems in  a Sea of  Aridity and
Agriculture

Institution: Texas Tech University
Principal Investigators: Daryl  L. Moorehead;
                                                    15

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    Tony R. Mollhagen; Ernest B.
    Fish
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $449,723

The purpose  of this project  is to  examine  the
relationships between stresses resulting from different
land use practices on the semi-arid Southern High
Plains of Texas (82,000 square km) and the biological
integrity  of   playa   lakes,   important centers  of
biodiversity  in this  recently  designated  Federal
wetlands  region.    Play as   are  highly replicated
ecosystems (ca. 20,000 in the Texas Panhandle) for
which   a  level  of  sampling  replication   can  be
incorporated   in  scientific  investigations   that  is
impossible in studies of most  other systems.  The
researchers will address three aspects of biodiversity
(species richness, species diversity, and community
composition)  as they relate to integrated properties of
ecosystem  function.     The   approach  of  these
researchers will functionally link these aspects  of
biodiversity within playas to surrounding landscape
features, emphasizing  the  effects  of agricultural
activities.  The species richness of macroinvertebrate
communities,  as well as the proportional density of
species, will augment simple presence-absence data of
sensitive,   indicator   species   to    provide   a
comprehensive and potentially more precise indicator
of the multiple stresses experienced  by the playa
biota.  Analyses of chemical characteristics of water
in the playas will provide the functional link between
surrounding land use practices and stressors  acting on
biotic  communities within playas; moreover,  their
presence or concentrations may represent predictors
of biotic condition. The information collected will be
added  to  a  developing  Geographical Information
System (GIS) for the area, which will increase the
ability to  predict the results  of land uses  on biotic
integrity within playas in this extensive region.

R82-1864-010

Potential   Ecological   Effects   of  Baculovirus
Pesticides on Nontarget Insect Species

Institution: Boyce Thompson Institute for
    Plant Research
Principal Investigator: H. Alan Wood
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $195,870

The purpose  of this project is to assess the potential
ecological impact of genetically enhanced baculovirus
(GEB) pesticides on nontarget  insects  using modern
techniques of biotechnology that will permit detection
of  symptomless  as  well as pathogenic infections.
Procedures have been developed  to survey a wide
range of insect species for susceptibility to infection
by the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis
virus (AcMNPV), Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis
virus   (BmSNPV)   Lymantria   dispar   nuclear
polyhedrosis   virus   (LoMNPVl),   and   Orgyia
pseudotsugata nuclear polyhedrosis virus (OpMNPV).
Inoculations will be made by hemocoelic injections
with the nonoccluded form and per os inoculations
with the pre-occluded form of recombinant isolates of
the four viruses. Each of the recombinant viruses will
have its polyhedrin gene replaced  with genes coding
for [i-galactosidase, secreted alkaline phosphatase, or
luciferase  under  the  control  of the  baculovirus
polyhedrin, ETL or plO gene promoters. Replication
of these viruses will initially be assessed based on
detection of the reporter gene products.  Evidences for
virus  replication  will be  further determined by
hybridization procedures and electron microscopy.

R82-2282-010

Effects of Metals  on Immunological Dysfunction
and  Metallothionein Modulation in Hemocytes and
Oysters  Infected   with   Perkinsus  marinus. A
Characterization   of  Putative  Environmental
Biomarkers

Institution: University of Maryland
Principal Investigator: G. Roesijadi
Project Period: 1 year
Project Amount: $327438

The  purpose  of  this project  is  to  investigate
metallothionein  as  a  potential indicator of metal
exposure  and  toxicity  and  altered immunological
responses as measures of immunotoxicity in response
to  a  variety  of   chemical  exposures.    Target
populations for  environmental exposure to  toxic
chemicals can be subjected to coincidental stress due
to chemical toxicity and disease.   The  interaction
between these general  categories  of  stressors  may
serve as more realistic determinants of  environmental
health than either alone. Recently-conducted research
indicates   that   metallothionein   function   and
immunologicsal  functions   are  highly  integrated
processes  in   cells  such   as  macrophages  and
lymphocytes.  A coordinated effort that examines the
role  of both  metallothieonein  and  indicators of
immune   function  during   interactions  between
lexicological and disease-related processes is expected
to provide valuable information on the potential utility
of these  processes as environmental  biornarkers.
Metallothionein  synthesis   and  gene  expression,
phagocytosis  and the generation of reactive oxygen
species by hemocytes will be studied  in the mollusc
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Crassostrea virginica  under  stress  from  parasitic
infection by the protozoan  Perkinsus  marinus and
exposure to metals cadmium and copper.

R82-2298-010

Treehole Communities as Bioindicators of Forest
Stemflow Pollution and Ecosystem  Stress

Institution: Pennsylvania State University
Principal Investigator: W. A. Dunson
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $294,497

The purpose of this project is to study the interaction
between   arthropod   growth  rates   and  treehole
hydroperiod under increased temperature in the field
and in the laboratory. The researchers will investigate
single species  and community-level  responses  to
increases in hydrogen, sulfate and nitrate ions, metals,
low oxygen, elevated temperature,  and shortened
hydroperiod using controlled environment microcosms
in the laboratory and in the  field.  Experiments will
incorporate natural and controlled variables  designed
to examine the effects of  stressors  on community
interactions. The researchers will evaluate the impact
that natural levels  of these stressors  have on  the
treehole community and the likely relationship of this
community to the forest ecosystem.

R82-2307-010

Simultaneous   Microbial  Detoxification    of
Chromium and Organic Pollutants

Institution: University of Kentucky
Principal Investigator: Y. T. Wang
Project Period: 1 year
Project Amount: $153,459

The purpose of this project is  to characterize  the
interactions between chromium reducing bacteria and
other heterotrophic bacteria for the  reduction  of
hexavalent  chromium  and   degradation of organic
contaminants. Hexavalent chromium  is highly toxic
and is released to the environment by a  large number
of industrial operations. Chromium and toxic organic
pollutants are found together in process wastewaters
from several major industrial operations including
metal finishing and leather  tanning, as well as on
wood preserving sites.  Hexavalent  chromium may
also be present with  many organic  pollutants  in
municipal wastewater.  Groundwater contaminated by
both chromium  and toxic organic compounds has also
been  documented.    The potential  for biological
transformation  of hexavalent chromium to the less
toxic  trivalent  form coupled with  degradation   of
organic compounds of environmental concern has just
been  discovered  in  the  researcher's  laboratory.
Trivalent chromiuum  is less soluble in most  water
systems;  consequently,  great  potential  exists  for
simultaneous and ultimate removal of chromium and
organic pollutants by biological processes.   This
research is  directed at gaining a better understanding
of  biological reduction   of hexavalent  chromium
coupled with degradation of organic pollutants. The
effect of environmental factors on the rate and extent
of chromium reduction and pollutant degradation will
be  evaluated using defined syntrophic associations
involving chromium reducers. Environmental factors
to be  evaluated include redox potential, temperature,
pH, electron donors  and acceptors, and microbial
species.  Analytical techniques  to  use include gas
chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography,
ion chromatography, mass spectrometry,  and atomic
adsorption  spectrophotometry.

R82-2329-010

Degradation  of  Environmental  Pollutants  by
Plants

Institution: University of Washington
Principal Investigator: Milton P. Gordon
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $395,406

The principal  objectives  of this  proposal are  to
understand  the mechanisms by  which higher  plant
species sequester and metabolize industrial pollutants
and to use this knowledge  to  develop  natural
populations and genetically  engineered plants  for  in
situ remediation of contaminated sites.  Initial studies
will focus   on  two  classes of  priority  pollutants,
chlorinated  aromatics,    represented  by   2,4-
dichlorophenol  (2.4DCP)  and halogenated  alkenes
represented by  trichloroethylene  (TCE),   because
chlorinated   aromatics  and  chlorinated  solvents
comprise two large classes of common contaminants.
Endogenous mechanisms of xenobiotic detoxification
in plants will be studied.  In a complementary effort,
novel pathways will be  created through fission  of
bacterial   degradative  pathways   with  metabolic
pathways extant in plants.  Plants expressing bacterial
degradative pathways or possessing useful reclamation
properties will  be examined for  ability  to enhance
microbially induced degradation  in soils which have
been  contaminated with  2,4DCP  or  TCE.   The
researchers will employ the following strategies  in
accomplishing  these  goals: (1)  the  uptake and
metabolic fate of TCE and 2,4DCP  in plants will be
investigated; the metabolic conversion of xenobiotics
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by plants grown axenically and in natural soil will be
determined;  special care will be taken to  determine
the toxicity   of the resulting compounds, and  the
researchers will  be alert to the possibility that  the
metabolites have decreased or increased toxicity;  the
nature of metabolites in plant detritus will also be
ascertained; (2) bacterial genes which lead to cleavage
of the aromatic rings of halogenated phenols will be
inserted  into plants; the transgenic plants will be
examined for an enhanced ability to detoxify priority
pollutants,  especially   halogenated  phenols  and
chlorinated solvents.

R82-2346-010

Analysis  of Photosynthetic  Markers  of  Stress
Caused by Plant Exposure to UV-B Light

Institution:  Washington State University
Principal Investigator: Gerald E. Edwards
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $180,014

The purpose of this project is  to  identify specific
physical and chemical changes in the proteins ribulose
1,5-bisphosphate   carboxylase   (Rubisco)   and
phosphoenolpyruvate   carboxylase   (PEPC),   and
specific changes in photochemistry induced by UV-B
light in plants having C3 and C4 photosynthesis. How
these changes are related to the damage and to  the
losses in  efficiency and the maximum capacity of
photosynthesis will be examined. Dramatic decreases
in Rubisco activity, and an unusual increase in  the
apparent  molecular  mass  of  the  large subunit of
Rubisco protein on exposure to UV-B light have been
reported in some C3 species. UV-B induced changes
in  Rubisco   and  PEPC  activity,  content, state  of
activation, and physical and kinetic properties  will be
examined. The potential to use changes in Rubisco,
PEPC,  and  thylakoid  membrane  energization  as
indicators of UV-B stress in temperate and tropical
species will be evaluated.

R82-2393-010

Field and Microcosm Studies for Evaluating  the
Bioremediation Potential of Genetically Engineered
Microorganisms in Aquifers

Institution: University of Minnesota
Principal Investigator: Daryl F. Dwyer
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $294,195

The  purpose of this  project  is to investigate  the
ecological consequences of planned introductions of
genetically engineered microorganisms (OEMs) into
the  environment,  including  their  survival   and
reproduction, interactions with indigenous organisms,
and effects on ecosystem  functions. The researchers
plan  to  carry  out  such  a  procedure  with three
laboratory bacteria: Pseudomonas sp. strain B13, P.
putida KT2440 (pWWO), and P.  cepacia G4, plus
three  respective   derivatives,  P.  sp  strain  B13
FRl(pFRC20P), P. putida KT2440 (pWWO-EB62),
and P. cepacia G4 5223 PRI.  All six bacteria degrade
environmental pollutants:  the GEMs  were designed
for enhanced catabolic capabilities. The research  is
specifically designed to address issues concerning the
use  of GEMs  in aquifers,  with  these  bacteria  as
models.  Fate (survival and  transport)  and activity
(pollutant degradation  and  impact  on  the native
microflora and ecosystem processes) will be studied.
Aspects of the study related to fate of microbes and
impact on the ecosystem will be  used  to gauge
potential risks associated with the use of GEMs in the
environment.

   R82-2405-010

Assessing the Response  of Three Pine Species  to
Ozone, Utilizing the Antioxidants Ethylenediurea
and Sodium Erythorbate

Institution: University of Massachusetts
Principal Investigator: William J. Manning
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $367,212

This multi-investigator, multi-institution  project will
explore the feasibility of  the use of the antioxidants
ethylenediurea  (EDU)  and  sodium  erythorbate  to
assess the effects of  ambient ozone on  growth  of
three  important  pine species in their  appropriate
geographic regions, with  different levels of ambient
ozone and natural growing conditions. Eastern white
pine (Pinus strobus L,) will be investigated in western
Massachusetts, loblolly pine  (Pinus taeda L.) in east
Texas, and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl.
ex.  Laws)   in   southern  California.    All  three
investigators will address the  vital  question:  "Do
current levels of ambient ozone  reduce growth  of
important  pine   species   in  different  geographic
locations?"  In addition to overall objectives there are
subordinate interlocking objectives where investigators
will  exchange tree  seedlings  or  needle  samples.
Research in Massachusetts will focus  on colonization
of pine needles by endophytic fungi and their role in
colonization  of ozone-injured or influenced needles.
Mineral nutrition, stomatal conductance and nitrogen
metabolism will  be emphasized in Texas.   Infra-red
thermography will be used  in California to assess
                                                    18

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changes in gas exchange. Ozone-drought-antioxidant
interactions will be investigated as well.
R82-2407-010

Investigation  of  Linkages  Between  Biomarker
Indicators and Population-Level Responses

Institution: University of Rhode Island
Principal Investigator: David A. Bengtson
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $357,089

The purpose of the project is to test the fundamental
assumption  that biomarkers are sensitive to lower
concentrations of a given toxicant than are organismal
or  population  responses  (for  the  same  species),
because the effect is at a more fundamental (cellular)
level. The researchers will test the assumption by
examining the relationships among concentrations of
a toxicant, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and their effects
on  different biological  levels of organization (cell,
tissue,  organism population) in  an estuarine  fish
species, Menidia beryllina, in the laboratory, using an
energetics-based   approach.   Energetics-related
measurements  can   be  made  at  the  cellular,
organismal, and population levels so that a cause-and-
effect relationship  should be discernable under ideal
laboratory conditions.   Because  PCP  acts  as an
uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, the energetic
basis of the toxicant effect at the cellular level should
be  relatable to energetic measures made at  higher
levels of biological organization. The researchers will
measure adenylate energy charge  and  activity  of
oxidative  enzymes at the cellular level and scope for
growth  of the organismal level at different PCP
concentrations. They will also conduct a partial life-
cycle toxicity test to examine of PCP on reproductive
output  by this species in relation to the amount of
energy invested in carcass, liver,  and gonal growth.
Finally, matrix population projection models will be
used to  examine population dynamics of the species
under different concentrations  of PCP.  Thus,  the
researchers will  be able to compare concentrations
that affect M.  beryllina at the cellular level,  the
organismal  level,  and  the  "ecologically relevant"
population level.   Another goal of the project is to
provide a model research strategy that others might
use  to  study  the  linkages  of   biomarkers   to
ecologically relevant  indicators  with other species,
toxicants, and higher levels of biological organization.

R82-2455-010

Studies on the Mechanisms  Underlying  Lichen
Sensitivity to SO2 and O3

Institution: Arizona State University
Principal Investigators: Thomas H. Nash; J.
              Kenneth Hoober
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $353,381

This proposal focuses on the phycobiont by planning
experiments to examine the physical, physiological,
and  biochemical aspects of  lichen  photosynthetic
response to O3 and SO2.  Specifically, the objectives
are to (1) determine the concordance of gas exchange
and   chlorophyll  fluorescent   data  as  response
parameters,    (2)   determine   whether  physical
differences   in  air  pollutant  absorption  and/or
subsequent internal transfer to the phycobiont surface
account for the differential sensitivity among species,
(3)   determine   whether   physiological   and/or
biochemical  difference  in photosynthetic response
explain the differential  sensitivity,  and,  finally, (4)
develop mechanistic  models for understanding the
response of lichens to O3 and SO2.

R82-2467-010

Aquatic Invertebrate  Succession  in  Freshwater
Marshes: An Evaluation of Acquired Function in
Created and Restored Wetlands

Institution: West Chestire University
Principal Investigator: G. Winfield Fairchild
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $129,519

The purpose of this project is to predict the "assembly
rules" for the aquatic invertebrate food web in man-
made marshes.  The approach will be to compare
newly created marches  of known  age  to natural
marshes that are morphometrically similar. There are
two questions to be  answered:  (1) does invertebrate
food web structure in created/restored wetlands reach
an endpoint comparable to the food webs of natural
wetlands? and (2) how does the presence of aquatic
vegetation  influence succession in the invertebrate
community?
R82-2487-010

Anaerobic Degradation  of Chlorinated Benzoic
Acid Herbicides Coupled to Denitriflcation

Institution: Rutgers, The  State University of
   New Jersey
Principal Investigator: Max Haggblom
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Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $347,810

The  purpose of the  project is to investigate the
anaerobic biodegradability of the chlorinated benzoic
acid  herbicides Dicamba and 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoate
and examine whether degradation can be coupled to
denitrification. Although reductive dechlorination of
Dicamba  and  2,3,6-trichlorobenzoate  has   been
demonstrated, there is no information on the influence
of alternative electron acceptors, such as nitrate on
their biodegradability under anaerobic  conditions.
Denitrifying enrichment cultures on Dicamba, 2,3,6-
trichlorobenzoate, and structurally related chlorinated
benzoic   acids will be established using different
agricultural  soils   (with  and  without   herbicide
application). Degradation rates will be evaluated and
biotransformation/biodegradation products identified.
In   addition,  the  degradation   of  3-   and  4-
chlorobenzoate  by  denitrifying consortia  will be
investigated.

R82-2509-010

Comparative   Mechanisms   of   Hydrocarbon
Metabolism and Genotoxicity in Two  Ictalurid
Fishes

Institution:  Duke University
Principal Investigator: Richard T. Di Giulio
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $290,973

This project will exploit opportunities to explore in
depth,  and  from a comparative viewpoint, selected
aspects  of the metabolism and  genotoxic modes of
action   of   a  representative polycyclic  aromatic
hydrocarbon (PAH),  benzo[a]pyrene  (BaP).    The
objectives of this study are to (1) compare organ and
tissue  distributions  of BaP in a  channel catfish,
Ictalurus punctatm, and brown  bullhead, Ameriurus
nebulosus, following gavage and aqueous exposure;
(2) compare hepatic DNA damage in channel catfish
and brown bullhead following BaP exposure in vivo
and  in  cell culture;  (3)  determine and compare
mechanisms of BaP metabolism  and activation to
mutagenic products in hepatic subcellular fractions of
the two species;  (4)  compare  abilities of hepatic
fractions from these species to generate active oxygen
species   (ROS)  upon  incubation   with  key   BaP
metabolites; (5) elucidate and compare mechanisms of
BaP detoxification in these species; and (6) determine
the single and  combined effects of in vivo exposure
to BaP  and to  chemical modulators  (in  separate
experiments, either 3,3'4,4' tetrachlorobiphenyl (TCB)
or  tert-butyl  hydroperoxide   (tBOOH)  on   BaP
metabolism, DNA damage,  and oxidative stress  in
these species.
R82-2546-010

Expression and  Functional Roles of the Maize
MnSod Multigene Family During Development and
Under Environmental Stress

Institution: North Carolina State University
Principal Investigator: John G. Scandalios
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $365,970

The purpose of  this project is to  investigate  the
functional role(s)  of each of the four maize MnSods
in terms  of  their mitochondria!  location  and  the
differential expression of the respective MnSod (Sod3)
genes  during  development  and  in  response  to
exogenous signals. The long-term goal is to elucidate
the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential
expression of these genes during development and in
response  to  oxidative stress.     To  do  so,   the
researchers have  developed  a  functional  bioassay
system using a yeast MnSod-deficient mutant to study
the biological function of the maize MnSODs. They
have successfully transformed and rescued the yeast
mutant, which is  lethal in the  presence of oxygen,
with the  maize MnSOD-3.  They  will use  gene
specific  cDNA probes  isolated   for  each maize
MnSOD to isolate and characterize each of the Sod3
genes comprising this interesting multigene  family.

R82-2913-010

A  Molecular   Approach   for   the  Study   of
Environmental Carcinogenesis

Institution: University of Maine
Principal Investigator: Rebecca Van Beneden
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $359,705

The purpose of this project is to address the role of
oncogenes and  tumor  suppressor  genes  in   the
development of tumors in Japanese medako, Oryzias
latipes,  exposed  to  mixtures of  environmental
toxicants. In their initial studies, the researchers will
expose  medaka to low doses of diethylnitrosamine
(DEN)  as an  initiating carcinogen,  followed  by
exposure  to  a tumor  promoter,  trichloroethylene
(TCE), a ubiquitous groundwater contaminant. They
will then examine the mechanism of tumor induction
at the molecular level and compare their results with
those from rodent studies.
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R82-3605-010

Use  of Remotely  Sensed Data  on Phenological
Activity and Heterogeneity  to Detect  Changes in
Grassland Species Composition in Response  to
Stress

Institution: Kansas State University
Principal Investigator: John M. Briggs
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: 210,842

This project  proposes to build upon the extensive
database available on prairie ecology and remotely
sensed  data  from the existing  LTER  program at
KPRNA and from  the researchers' participation in
NASA's FIFE program, to develop a remote sensing-
based ecological indicator that will detect changes in
species  composition within this and other grasslands
of the Central Plains region.  This  indicator will
detect   both  natural  (year-to-year  variation   in
precipitation and temperature) and anthropogenic (i.e.
climate  change,  over-grazing,  land-use  practices)
stresses within grassland ecosystems.  In addition, it
will be applicable to a large geographical region. The
researchers will correlate shifts in the timing of green-
up and/or  senscense  with  meteorological data  and
land-use practices to identify  critical parameters that
result in vegetation responses. The approach will be
to conduct retrospective analyses relating areas of
known  species  composition,   fire  history,   and
management practices on Konza  Prairie to seasonal
patterns in remote sensing vegetation indexes.  Once
this  relationship  between  C3/C4  composition  and
remotely sensed data is developed and quantitatively
tested for known areas, it will be used to extrapolate
across a broader geographic region.

R82-3606-010

Testing the Estuarine Biotic Integrity Index Across
Biogeographic Regions

Institution: Marine Biological Laboratory
Principal Investigator: Linda A. Deegan
Project Period: 3 years
Project  Amount: $386,228

The  purpose of  this  project  is to  further  the
development of the Estuarine Biotic Integrity  Index
(EBI).  The researchers propose to complete  the
development of  the  EBI  by  using  the index  in
estuaries of a wide variety of anthropogenic stress in
several  biogeographic regions and by following  one
estuary  in detail over several years. They will focus
on four objectives:  (1) validation of the response of
fish  communities to anthropogenic  stress across  a
broad range of estuaries and stress levels,  (2)
extension of the EBI to several biogeographic regions,
(3) Differentiation between natural and anthropogenic
induced variation in  fish communities and the EBI,
(4) exploration of a new metric to evaluate food web
changes.

R82-3749-010

A   Novel    Approach   for   Assessment   of
Anthropogenic   Disturbance:   A   Search   for
Bacterial  Indicator  Species   in  Southeastern
Streams and Rivers

Institution: Kent State University
Principal Investigator: Laura Leff
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $318,046

In  this  project,  investigation   of  diversity  and
composition of  the  non-culturable  fraction of the
assemblage  will  be  performed  using taxa-specific
probes  developed from rRNA genes contained in
environmental DNA.  The first  objective of  this
project is to determine if the culturable portion of the
bacterial assemblages  collected from streams  and
rivers   in   the  Southeastern   United  States  are
representative  of the total bacterial assemblages from
these ecosystems. Sampling sites were selected based
on differences in extent and nature of anthropogenic
disturbances. To address this question, the  abundance
of taxonomic groups of bacteria in the culturable and
total assemblages will be determined using labeled
oligonucleotide probes targeted to specific regions of
r-RNA. Taxa  abundance in the total  assemblage will
be determined by using  in situ hybridization,  and
abundances  in the culturable assemblages  colony
hybridization using cultivated bacterial strains.  If the
cultural  assemblage  is  representative of the total
assemblage, then the percentage of culturable bacteria
hybridizing  a  given    taxonomic  probe will  the
percentage of bacteria hybridizing the probe during in
situ  hybridization.  Differences in  taxa  abundance
among  sites will be related to differences in water
quality  measurements.  The second  objective is to
use a methodologically advanced approach to search
for  bacterial  indicator  species  among  the  non-
culturable  species.   At  sites  in  which  cultural
assemblage is  not representative rRNA genes will be
amplified using Polymerase   Chain  Reaction from
mixtures of extracted nucleic acids, and selected  16S
rRNA genes will be sequenced. After comparison of
rRNA sequences to those published, the abundance of
selected taxa will  be determined  using  in  situ
hybridization.
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      ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS  (AIR)
R82-1117-010

Determination  of Trace  Atmospheric  Gases  by
Capillary  Electrophoresis  (CE).  Size-Selecting
Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheric Particles by
CE-Based Analyzer

Institution: Texas Tech University
Principal Investigator: P. K. Dasgupta
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $353,188

The purpose of this project is to develop and apply
suppressed  conductometry to two systems  for the
analysis of gases and particles.  For the gas analysis
system, soluble or reactive gases are sampled in a
microdroplet  at  the  tip  of a capillary for a period
of  approximately  one  minuand then subjected to
suppressed  conductometric capillary  electrophoresis
separation (SuCCESS).   For the particle  analysis
system, sampled air is processed through a microscale
parallel plate wet  denuder to remove gases.  The
particles are then charged negatively,  collected into a
positively charged  droplet,  and,  after  sampling,
subjected to analysis by SuCCESS.

R82-1210-010

Advanced Modeling of Concentration Fluctuations.
Reactive Plumes and Surface Inhomogeneity

Institution: University of Kentucky
Principal Investigator: Tate H. Tsang
Project Period:  3 Years
Project Amount: $224,395

The purpose  of this project is  to use Second-Order
Closure (SOC) and Large Eddy Simulations (LES) to
study  three  fundamental  problems:  concentration
fluctuations of pollutants, reactive plume modeling,
and the effects of different surface roughness and heat
flux  on  the  boundary  layer structure  and  plume
behavior.     The  researchers  propose   a  highly
parallelizable  time-splitting  Least  Squares  Finite
Element Method (LSFEM).
R82-1252-010
Development of New Techniques for Atmospheric
Profiling  of Hydrocarbon  Oxidation  Products
Using Kites as  "Sky Hooks"

Institution: University of Colorado
Principal Investigator: John W. Birks
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount:  $356,837

The  purpose  of this project is to improve a new
technique  based  on microcartridge sampling  and
derivatization for important atmospheric constituents
including aldehydes and carboxylic acids. In addition,
vertical profiles  will  be  made  of  hydrocarbon
oxidation products  in the atmosphere using high
altitude kites for  raising  and  lowering instrument
packages.

R82-1256-010

Heterogeneous Gas-Liquid Interactions Relative to
Tropospheric   Ozone    Formation-Destruction
Processes

Institution: Boston  College
Principal Investigator: Paul Davidowitz
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount:  $335,401

The  purpose of this  project is to conduct a series of
experiments designed  to  study heterogeneous gas-
liquid interactions related  to  the tropospheric ozone
formation and destruction  processes. The studies will
center on the heterogeneous interactions critical to the
chemistry   of  tropospheric  ozone.   Uptake  and
heterogeneous reaction studies will be performed.
Special attention will be paid to the study of possible
heterogeneous sources and sinks  for nitrous oxide
which is the principal precursor to ozone. Among the
heterogeneous processes to be  studied are those that
might result in the volatilization of nitrous oxide from
nitric  acid and ammonia.   The  results  of these
experiments will provide the information required to
elucidate the role of heterogeneous reactions in  the
tropospheric ozone  formation-destruction processes
and  will yield the paramneters necessary for proper
modeling of the relevant processes.

R82-1288-010
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Applications of Receptor Modeling to Time Series
Data for Aerosol Chemical Components

Institution: University of California, Los
  Angeles
Principal Investigator: Sheldon Friedlander
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $287,900

The purpose  of  this  project  is  to  develop  new
approaches for using time series data to understand
source/receptor relationships. The specific objectives
of the  study are to  (1) compile existing time series
chemical composition data into a composite data base;
(2)  determine the  statistical   properties   of  the
composite data base and check for certain "universal"
features such as constancy of GSD; (3) extend the
continuity equation for mean  square concentration
fluctuations  in a turbulent  atmosphere to  aerosol
transport processes and investigate  the effect  of
stochastic processes on the GSD; (4) seek evidence of
multiple source  contributions  in  the  form  of
multimodal  frequency  distributions  for  chemical
species; (5) evaluate frequency distributions of source
contributions using  chemical mass balance (CMB)
methods and  search  for correlations  among  the
sources, and (6) use a new multivariate technique to
search   for  correlations  among  the  sources  and
compare these results with CMB results.

R82-1340-010

Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Dispersion and
Relative Diffusion

Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology
Principal Investigator: P. K. Yeung
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $174,028

The purpose of this  project is to investigate the
processes of relative diffusion and  dispersion  of
passive contaminants in turbulent flows. This will be
accomplished  by  using the  technique of  direct
numerical simulation,  which   is  based on exact
conservation equations.  The primary focus is on the
fluid dynamical mechanisms  associated  with  the
dispersion of concentration fluctuations.

R82-2264-010

Development  of New  Isotopic  Techniques  for
Resolution of the Atmospheric N2O Budget

Institution: University of California, San
  Diego
Principal Investigator: Mark Thiemens
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $304,617

The purpose  of this project  is  to  utilize  a high
precision multi-isotope ratio measurement technique
to identify sources of nitrous oxide (N2O).  In this
study simultaneous measurements of all three stable
isotopes in N20 will be made.  This information will
be used in assessing budgets of atmospheric N2O, an
environmental gas important in global  climate and
stratospheric ozone issues.
R82-2312-010

A Study of Absorptive Gas/Particle Partitioning to
Ambient Aerosol Organic Material

Institution: Oregon Graduate Institution
Principal Investigator: James F. Pankow
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $309,863

The purpose of this project is  to (1) study the basic
physical-chemical properties and  composition (by
GC/MS and LC/MS) of organic  phase material in
aerosol materials so as to better understand the role
and magnitude of absorption  in gas particle (G/P)
partitioning   in   the   atmosphere  for  important
compounds; (2) conduct field work involving gas and
particle sampling of  organic  compounds  in  urban
atmospheres under smoggy  conditions  to determine
the  G/P  partition   coefficient  values  for   those
conditions,  and compare  them  with  partition
coefficients for typical non-smoggy urban situations;
(3)  construct and  apply a  mathematical model of
absorptive G/P partitioning  for describing secondary
organic aerosol formation in the urban environment
and in  areas  affected by regional and long-range
transport of urban pollution.

R82-2351-010
2  to  5  pm Room-Temperature  Semiconductor
Multiquantum Well Tunable Photodetectors for
Ultrasensitive Detection of Hazardous Pollutants
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Institution: Rutgers, The State University of
   New Jersey
Principal Investigator: Jian Zhao
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount $372,527

The purpose  of  the  project  is  to  conduct  a
fundamental investigation of a novel photodetector for
ultrasensitive   hazardous   gaseous   pollutants
detection/monitoring in  the 2  to  5 |um mid-IR
fingerprint region.  The research will map out the
range of  detection  sensitivity  and tunability as  a
function of temperature up to 300K and the detection
of CHF3 CH4, NO2,  and HCN.

R82-2453-010

Stratospheric Sulfate Aerosols and Heterogeneous
Ozone Destruction

Institution: Tufts University
Principal Investigator: Mary Jane Shultz
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: 314,705

The purpose of this project is to perform laboratory-
based  measurements  to  identify those  materials
responsible for the heterogeneous activation of  odd Cl
at mid-latitudes as well as identifying the combination
of materials most effective at sequestering the odd Cl,
a prime  catalytic ozone destroyer.  The work will
utilize  spectroscopic  techniques  that have  shown
promise as liquid probes to develop a molecular level
understanding  for  these interfaces.   The nonlinear
spectroscopies chosen  for  this work are Second
Harmonic Generation and Sum Frequency Generation.
The primary substrate to be used is sulfuric acid since
recent evidence has implicated  stratospheric sulfuric
acid aerosols as being important in mid-latitude ozone
destructive.

R82-2476-010

Influence  of  Organic Films  on  Reactivity  and
Hydroscopicity of Sulfuric Acid Aerosol

Institution: New York University  Medical
          Center
Principal Investigator: Morton Lippmann
Project Period: 3 Years
Project Amount: $387,276
The purpose  of  this project is to determine  the
influence of organic films on both the neutralization
reactivity by gaseous NH3 and thehydroscopic growth
of H2SO4 acid aerosols  as  a function  of the film
thickness as well as of the  particle diameter.  The
particle diameter  range will  include 40  to 200  nm
covering relative  humidities up  to  95%.  The high
relative humidity  will  simulate the conditions  in
humid atmospheres and in human respiratory airways.
C12-C18  fatty acids will  be used in this study since
they are not only highly surface active, but also exist
in the ambient atmosphere.

R82-2482-010

Development of Multivariate Receptor Models for
the  Determination of the  Sources of Airborne
Pollutants

Institution: Clarkson University
Principal Investigator: Philip K. Hopke
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $349,359

The purpose of this project is to test and evaluate the
application of multivariate statistical methods to solve
receptor modeling problems.  These methods include
projection  pursuit,  artificial  neutral networks, and
genetic algorithm.  The exploration of the utility of
these methods in  which an optimal  data scaling
method is employed easily permits the incorporation
of a variety of constraints on the solution.  Finally,
factor analysis methods for  1-way  data tables have
been the subject  of active  development  as both a
receptor model and a  tool to solve other chemical
problems.

R82-2518-010

Absorption of Sulfur  Dioxide by  Circulating and
Oscillating Drops

Institution: University of Idaho
Principal Investigator: Tom Carleson
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $238,469

The  purpose   of this  project  is  to  conduct  an
experimental and  theoretical  study of mass transfer to
circulating  and oscillating  water  drops absorbing
sulfur dioxide  from air. The  experiments will involve
varying the   droplet   sizes,  gas  concentrations,
                                                   24

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oscillation frequencies, and gas flow rates.  Existing
models  will be tested and used  to  develop  a new
model  to  assess  the  effect  of  circulation  and
oscillation on the mass transfer process.

R82-2562-010

Characterizations of Motor Vehicle Emissions

Institution: University of Nevada
Principal Investigator: Barbara Zielinska
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $201,731
The purpose  of the  project  is  to  conduct  a
comprehensive diesel and gasoline emission sampling
program at emissions test facilities.  Several classes of
paniculate and gaseous organic compounds, including
PAHs,  long-chained  alkanes,  and  polar  organic
compounds will be sampled and measured in exhaust
from gasoline and diesel vehicles.  Ambient roadside
emissions  will  also be  sampled  and  similarity
analyzed.    The  new  chemical  profiles will  be
evaluated  according to their  ability  to  distinguish
contributions of diesel  and gasoline  vehicles using
chemical mass balance receptor modeling.
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   ENVIRONMENTAL  CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS  (WATER)
R81-9809-010

Quantitative Analysis Directly from Matrices
Using TOF-SIMS

Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Principal Investigator: David Hercules
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $376,040

The purpose of this project is to develop analytical
protocols for quantitative analysis of trace amounts of
organic compounds without prior separation from the
matrix.  Focus will be on methods where the single
size  is severely limited  or analyses  useful  for
screening large populations. The technique to be used
is the newly developed time-of-flight secondary-ion
mass   spectrometry  (TOF-SIMS).     Fundamental
parameters    important   for  trace   quantitative
measurements will be  investigated.  In  addition,
preliminary  studies will be carried  out aimed at
coupling TOF-SIMS with thin layer chromatography
for trace quantitative determinations. Development of
specific analytical  methods will  follow  a standard
screening  procedure.  TOF-SIMS  spectra of pure
compounds will  be obtained and internal standards
evaluated and selected.  Calibration curves will be
established in the absence  of a matrix.  Analysis on
real samples will be used to compare the TOF-SIMS
methodology with established methods  Optimization
of TOF-SIMS protocols will be  accomplished by
fundamental  studies  of   factors   important   for
quantitation.   The energy,  intensity,  mass,  and
complexity of the primary ions will be investigated.
Analyte-substrate interactions  will  be  studied to
improve ion-emission yields and  to increase  the
effective molecular weight range  of the technique.
Detection   limits  will  be   optimized   by   using
micromanipulation   techniques.     A conservative
estimate of  the  ultimate detection limit for  small
(MW=1000) peptides is  0.05 attomole.

R81-9866-010

Configuration  and Sorption Properties of Two
Synthetic  Humic  Substance Analogs:  Polymaleic
Acid and Pyrene-Labeled Polyacrylic Acid

Institution: Ohio State University
Principal Investigator: P. I. Yu-Ping Chin
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $303,421

The purpose  of the project is to study  two  mimic
substance analogs,  polymaleic  acid  (PMA)  and
pyrene-labeled polyacrylic acid (PPA), in an effort to
understand better the interactions of particle-reactive
pollutants with  colloids.   These novel, synthetic
polymers resemble  humic  and  fulvic  acids,  both
spectroscopically  and  in  their  ability to  form
secondary and tertiary  structures in response  to
changes in solution pH and tonic strength. Moreover,
they are relatively easy to synthesize and characterize.
The configuration and sorption properties of PMA and
PPA  will be studied under differential solution
conditions, and various nonpolar organic "probes" will
be utilized to  study  PMA/PPA-pollutant binding.
Specifically,   these   include   (1)   UV,   visible,
fluorescence and Fourier Transform IR spectroscopy
to elucidate light absorption/emission properties; (2)
hydrophobic   interaction   and  size   exclusion
chromatography to determine the respective polarity
and size of the  polymers;  and (3)  the  sorption  of
hydrophobic  compounds  to  the polymers  using
fluorescence   quenching,   dialysis,   and   batch
experiments.      Additionally,   microviscosity
measurements will be   conducted  to   corroborate
observed changes in the configuration of the polymers
as determined by  fluorescence spectroscopy.  The
researchers will  use the  results  of  their work and
compare  them  to  data  obtained  from   similar
experiments (conducted in parallel) using humic and
fulvic acids.
R81-9885-010

Integrated Subsurface Imaging for Hydrologic Site
Characteristics

Institution: Stanford University
                                                  26

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Principal Investigators: Gary Navko; Rosemary
                Knight
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $251,224

The purpose of  this multidisciplinary  study is  to
develop methodologies for inexpensive high resolution
geophysical imaging of natural heterogeneity.  The
images will be linked to hydraulic parameters through
the application of principles of rock physics.  Ground
penetrating radar and high resolution surface-based
seismology will be used to provide  images.  These
images  will be  linked to hydraulic parameters using
sediment rock physics and geostatistical integration of
geophysical and hydrologic parameters. The research
would  combine  modeling,  field  data  acquisition,
laboratory measurements, and integration techniques.
R81-9976-010

Reactive  Contaminant  Transport  in  Variable
Density Flow Systems
Institution: Ohio State University
Principal Investigator: Frank Schwartz
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $228,320

The purpose of this project is to study the behavior of
reactive   contaminants   being  transported   as   a
constituent within dense plumes.  These types  of
plumes   occur  commonly   in   a   variety   of
hydrogeological settings,  for  example, due  to the
disposal   of  wastes  in  uncontrolled  landfills,  in
hazardous waste disposal sites, and in deep formations
by injection.  Specific objectives  of the study  are to
(1) conduct experiments with a two-dimensional flow
tank that  will establish how reactive components of
plumes respond to processes of sorption and density-
driven  flow,   and  (2)   model  processes at  both
laboratory and field scales.  The laboratory-scale
models will  help  in understanding  the  transport
processes in  a controlled  setting  as well  as  in
providing data to validate the numerical modeling
approach.  The field-scale  mathematical models are
designed  to  demonstrate the  importance of these
processes in actual contamination problems.

R82-0024-010
NMR   for  Diagnostic   Testing  of   Solidified
Hazardous Waste

Institution: Louisiana State University and A
     &  M College
Principal Investigators: Frank K. Cartledge;
              Leslie G. Butler
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $344,340

The  purpose  of  this   project  is  to  diagnose
performance  in solidification  of hazardous wastes
using cementitious  binders. Various capabilities of
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy will
be developed for this purpose.  NMR  imaging in 3
dimensions and 1  dimension will allow  determination
of the connectivity pattern iu the pore structure of the
solid and the  determination  of  rates of  water
infiltration into, and  waste migration  out of,  solid
samples. Microscopic motions  of both metal ions and
organics within the solid  matrix can be determined
from the  solid-state NMR,  and  the temperature
dependence of these motions can be converted into an
activation  energy for migration from one  site to
another or a  minimum  binding energy within the
matrix.  Diffusion rates for  organic materials within
the solid can be determined with a resolution to the
micron  level or below.   These non-invasive,  non-
destructive NMRs  thus  can give direct  information
about the binding of wastes in a solidified matrix, and
several  kinds  of data  about  pore  structure  and
diffusion  which  can have  direct application  to
modeling of waste transport (i,e, leaching) out of the
solid matrix.  While NMR has been used previously
for characterization of cements nd solidified wastes.
recent advances in NMR technology hold the promise
of yielding much more detailed  information  on a
routine basis in much the same way that NMR is used
for diagnosis testing of materials and in medicine.

R82-0277-010

Using   Cadmium-113   Nuclear   Resonance
Spectroscopy to Study Cation Binding by Organic
Matter

Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology
Principal Investigator: Michael Perdue
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $267,273

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the potential
                                                    27

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of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
as a tool for studying competitive cation binding by
natural organic matter (NOW).  One of the common
isotopes of cadmium (113Cd) is observable by NMR.
The free cadmium ion produces  a single sharp peak
in an NMR spectrum.  If cadmium-NOM complexes
form and  dissociate  very  slowly,  a  potentially
complex pattern of overlapping peaks will be obtained
in the NMR  spectrum of  a mixture of  free and
complexed cadmium ions. If these reactions are very
fast, only an average  NMR signal will be obtained.
NMR spectra will be obtained, if necessary, on cooled
or even supercooled samples to receive the signals of
free and complexed species. The NMR method will
be used to study effects of pH and ionic strength on
cadmium binding. The MNR measurements  of free
and complexed cadmium will be compared with ion
selective  electrode  (ISE)  measurements  of  free
cadmium ion.  Cadmium-113 will also be used as a
probe ion to study the competitive  binding of other
cations.  The predictions of the competitive Gaussian
distribution model and others will be compared with
NMR estimates of free and complexed cadmium.

R82-0459-010

Solventless Extraction of Organic  Pollutants from
Water with Solid-Base Microextraction

Institution: University of North  Dakota
Principal Investigator: Steven Hawthorne
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $348,000

The purpose of this project is to investigate the use of
fused silica fibers  coated with  sorptive  stationary
phases for the microextraction of nonpolar moderately
polar, and ionic organic pollutant  from relatively
clean water  (e.g., groundwaters  and surface waters)
seawater,  and highly polluted (e.g.,  waste stream)
waters.  Sorption of the pollutants  onto the sorbent
fiber is accomplished by simply dipping the fiber into
the water sample.  After equilibrium is attained, the
analytes  are recovered using thermal desorption by
inserting the fiber  into a  conventional heated GC
injection port,  or (for  thermally-labile phases) by
supercritical fluid extraction.  The study will develop
the necessary theoretical framework to understand the
partitioning  of   organic  analytes  between   water
(including the effect  on Kp of  matrix components
such as  ionic strength pH and total dissolved
organics)  and  several  different  sorbent  phases
immobilized to the silica fibers.  Both non-selective
(e.g., methylsilicone) and selective (e.g.,polar phases
liquid crystalline phases) sorbents will be immobilized
to sorbent fibers and evaluated as will the effect of
film thicknesses on sorbent capacity, equilibration
time, and thermal desorption time. Finally, the ability
to perform quantitative determinations of pollutant
organics from both clean and highly polluted waters
will be rigorously tested,  and the robustness of the
individual sorbents will be evaluated.  Test analytes
will include  a broad  range of  nonpolar  (e.g.,fuel
hydrocarbons  moderately  polar  (e.g., phenols  and
anilines), and ionic analytes (e.g.,  acid herbicides and
surfactants).

R82-0944-010

Sorption  and Transport  of HOCs  in  Aquatic
Systems

Institution: University of California, Santa
  Barbara
Principal Investigator: Wilburt Lick
Project Period: 2Vi years
Project Amount:  $267,993

The purpose of this project is to measure equilibrium
partition coefficients  and  mass  transfer  rates  of
selected hydrophobic organic contaminants  to  and
from sediments under well-controlled conditions, and
will include this information in numerically efficient
contaminant transport  and  fate models.   The first
objective of this work is to characterize the effects of
physical  parameters  (shear  aggregation,   solids
concentration, floe, and particle  sizes) on  sorption
processes.     Once the  physical  processes  are
understood for one chemical, the researchers will
extend the experiments to other  chemicals so as to
establish the  relationship of sorption  behavior to
physical-chemical   properties   such  as  solubility,
octanol-water  partition  coefficients and
molecular size.

R82-1325-010

Chemically Selective  Fiber Optic Detection and
Characterization  of Aqueous Impurities

Institution: University of California,
 Riverside
Principal Investigator: E.L. Chronister
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Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $368,616

The purpose of this project is to develop linear arrays
of intrinsic single-component selective sensors on a
single optical fiber.  The individual sensor elements
will be addressed through the use of very short light
pulses    (e.g.    10   picoseconds),   allowing
multicomponent sampling with a single optical fiber.
Alternatively, if the same chemical sensing element is
used at different points  along the same fiber optic,
this would allow the creation of a sensor capable of
monitoring concentration gradients of a single species
along a  very  long path.  Realistically  the spacial
resolution  of  this system will  be limited  by  the
interaction of the light  impulses with the intrinsic
properties of the indicator  molecules placed in each
sensor element. When fluorescence is used to provide
the  analytical   signal,   the  balance  between   the
sensitivity of the measurement (related to the quantum
efficiency  of  the fluorophore)  and  the temporal
response of the system  (linked  to the fluorescence
lifetime)  will   be  optimized  for  the particular
requirements  of  the  analytical problem.    This
approach could ultimately be used to monitor several
molecular  species in  many  hostile  environments.
Several approaches  will be  studied  to  obtain  the
requisite  chemical selectivity  necessary to make
meaningful measurements in complex  environments.
Chemically-doped porous sol-gel glass films will be
deposited at  specific points  on the fiber  optic to
provide simple  sensor  elements. Greater chemical
selectivity  will be attained through direct chemical
derivatization   of the  silica  surface.    In more
sophisticated sensors,  enzymes  will be covalently
linked to  the  surface  via  a  biotin/avidin/biotin
"molecular sandwich."  The products of the enzyme-
catalyzed reaction (e.g., H+) will change the properties
of an adjacent fluorophore molecule, which will result
in the analytical signal.  Development of this generic
strategy for the incorporation of enzymes as molecular
transducers for the analytical signal will provide a
basis for the production of a  new class of fiber optic
sensing.

R82-1359-010
Development of Extraction  and HPLC Methods
Based  on  Enhanced-Fluidity  Liquids  for  the
Analysis of Polar Contaminants in Sand, Soil, and
Sediments
Principal Investigator: Susan Olesik
Institution: Ohio State Research Foundation
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $306,671

The purpose of this project is to use  high fluidity
liquids to extract contaminants from sediments, soils,
and sands.    The  polar contaminants that  will be
studied are very difficult, if not impossible, to extract
by  supercritical fluid  extraction.  SFE, high-fluidity
liquid mixtures possess many of the positive attributes
of  supercritical solvents, such  as high diffusivity,
while maintaining the high solvent strength advantage
of common liquid solvents. The important variables
in high-fluidity liquid  extraction will be determined.
Finally, the advantages of using high fluidity liquid
solvents for the extraction, separation, and analysis of
polar contaminants  will be studied by developing a
complex method using these solvents to characterize
decarbonate fungicides and s-triazines in soils.

R82-1400-010

Geostatistical  Analysis  of Solute  Transport  in
Alluvial Fan Facies

Institution: University of California, Santa Cruz
Principal Investigator: Robert Anderson
Project Period: 3 year
Project Amount: $238,129

The purpose  of this  project  is  to use qualitative
geologic data  to address  current theoretical concerns
about  the  nature  of heterogeneities  in   alluvial
sediments and their influence on uncertainty
in transport predictions.  The study focuses on one
scale of heterogeneity, that of lenses or layers within
alluvial deposits. The goals of the proposed work are
to  (1)  use  geostatistical  analyses   of qualitative
geologic information  to describe  the location and
spacial  correlation  of  relatively  high  and  low
permeability units  in  alluvial fan deposits  and (2)
examine the effects of the structure of these units, i.e.,
layers    and   lenses    with    highly  contrasting
permeabilities  on   simulated   solute  travel   time
distributions. The study will focus on three locations
in an alluvial fan deposit in Santa Clara Valley, CA.
Sediments at these sites exhibit different sedimentary
structures and sediment compositions because of their
positions (proximal, medial, and  distal) within the fan
deposits. The researchers will infer the occurrence of
relatively high and low permeability zones at the sites
                                                    29

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using soil classifications from  descriptive borehole
logs and other sediment composition data. They will
then use binary indicator  geostatistics to  describe
special correlation in the occurrence of the regions
and   to  assess   uncertainties   in   stratigraphic
interpolations and transport predictions.  The research
will focus on four specific objectives: (1) description
of the spatial structure of relatively high  and low
permeability zones at three locations in an alluvial fan
deposit, (2) description of the stratigraphic structure
nd sensitivity,  (3) descriptions of small-scale changes
in hydraulic conductivity and sediment  texture
associated with soil classification boundaries, and (4)
comparison  of transport  characteristics at the three
alluvial fan sites and examination of how uncertainty
in the stratigraphic interpolation produces uncertainty
in transport simulations.

R82-2605-010

Development of a Portable Gas  Chromatograph-
Mass Spectrograph  (GC-MS) with a Microbore
Column and an Array Deractor for Field
Measurements

Institution: California Institute of Technology for
          Propulsion Laboratory
Principal Investigator: M.P. Shinha
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $259,500

The purpose of this project is to continue research on
the development of portable, high performance Gas
Chromatograph-Mass  Spectrograph (GC-MS) to  be
used for on-site, real-time measurements of pollutants.
The GC-MS system will be based on the technology
of   microbore   capillary   column    (SOn  i.d.)
chromatography and miniaturized focal plane mass
Spectrograph.  The capability of the GC-MS  will be
extended  for  the analysis of compounds  at low
concentration (-1 ppb). This will be accomplished by
increasing  the  sample  volume,  optimizing  the
operating temperature of the GC column, and by the
proper selection of the carrier gas.  A high sensitivity
ion  source,  a  light-weight  low-power-consuming
pumping  system  and personal computer-based data
system will also be developed. The performance of
the new instrument will be established for the analysis
of various priority pollutants.
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                      ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
R81-9996-010

Colloid-Facilitated Transport of Heavy Metals in
a Sludge-Amended Agroforestry System

Institution: Iowa State University
Principal Investigator: Michael Thompson
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $142,330

The  purpose  of this  project is to determine the
potential for colloid-facilitated translocation through
soil of heavy metals applied with municipal sledge in
a setting where vegetation consists of both herbaceous
and woody crops. Two common field conditions may
make unreliable previous, laboratory-based predictions
of the fate of heavy  metals  applied to land with
sewage  sludge:  (1)  dispersion  of organomineral
colloids  or  discrete   organic  colloids  and  (2)
preferential flow of suspended soil colloids and/or
sludge in soil  macropores.  Even ions such as metals
that  are strongly sorbed to the solid phase in soils
may be translocated if there is sufficient dispersion
and translocation of clay or soil organic matter. It is
not known which  of  the  possible mechanisms  of
colloid transport are most significant  in the  field
situation. The objectives of the proposed research are
to (1) document the occurrence or lack of heavy metal
transport through soils where digested sewage sludge
is applied  as fertilizer to woody  and herbaceous
biomass   crops   grown   in   an   alley-cropping
(agroforestry) system;  (2) correlate the degree  of
mobilization  of heavy metals  (cadmium, copper,
nickel, and zinc) with environmental conditions, soil
properties, soil water characteristics, and vegetation;
and (3) identify the most significant mechanisms of
metal transport as influenced by macropore flow and
colloid dispersion under field conditions.

R82-0181-010

Development of An Adaptive Methodology for On-
Line  Computerized Modelling and  Real  Time
Control of Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Institution: Marquette University
Principal Investigator: Vladimir Novotny
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $197,799
This project will  investigate and  develop  adaptive
features  of  Real  Time  Control  systems  for
optimization of the operation of wastewater treatment
plants. The adaptability implies that the computerized
system used for control of the plants under transient
conditions will be  able to adjust, in an optimum way,
to the changes in  the  input and system parameters.
This will lead to minimization or elimination of raw
wastewater  overflows  and   by-passes   and  to
maintenance  of  optimal  conditions.   A  costly
alternative  to such  operational  schemes would be
structural enlargement  of the plants.
R82-0184-010

Engineering of Oxidation and Granular Activated
Carbon  Treatment  Processes  to  Meet  New
Objectives in Drinking Water Treatment

Institution: University of North Carolina
Principal Investigator: Francis A. Di Giano
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $208,432

This project is directed  towards  development of a
bench-scale experimental protocol that will permit a
way for  engineers  to  design an  ozone granular
activated  carbon  (GAC)  system that biostabilizes
natural organic matter (NOM) and removes ozone
disinfection by-product (DPBs) of concern.  The
biokinetics and adsorption of ozonated NOM and of
specific ozone DBFs will be quantified so that the
proper combination of ozone (or in combination with
H2O2) dosage and GAC contact time can be selected.
The success of  the experimental  protocol will  be
measured by comparing the performance of a pilot-
scale system to the predictions from the branch-scale
tests.

R82-0921-010

Development of An Economic Treatment System to
Detoxify  Organic Chemicals

Institution: University of Pennsylvania
Principal Investigator: Jean-Marc Bollag
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $375,000
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This project proposes research to evaluate the use of
dissected  plant  materials  as catalytic  agents  for
decontaminating water and soil polluted with toxic
phenols and anilines.   Decontamination will   be
achieved through polymerization of the pollutants or
their binding to humus. Both of these processes are
caused by oxidative coupling reactions that can be
mediated by oxidoreductive enzymes.  Since it has
been  shown  that the release of  the  original toxic
chemicals and the formed oligomeric complexes into
the environment is  insignificant, oxidative coupling
reactions  can  be  considered  a  safe  method  of
decontamination. To determine optimum conditions
for plant-mediated contamination, the researchers will
conduct a variety of tests under different reaction
conditions (pH, incubation time, temperature substrate
concentration, and amount and granulation of plant
material).   Based on data obtained, the researchers
will develop specific application methods and design
procedures for the  safe disposal  of the used plant
materials. The plants which are enzymatically most
active will be tested in polluted water  and soil under
laboratory and field conditions.   To dispose of the
used plant materials, the researchers will subject them
to composting, plowing into soil, combustion,  and,
possibly, even feeding to animals.

R82-1050-010

Remediation of  Metal  Contaminated Soil  by
Complexing Agents Incorporating Metal Recovery
and Chelator Recovery

Institution: University of Delaware
Principal Investigator: Herbert E. Allen
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $247,926

The purpose of this project is to address the extraction
of  soils contaminated  by cadmium (II), chromium
(III),   and/or   lead   (II)   by   the   addition   of
ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or  citrate.
The chelator and the  metals  will be recovered by
electrolysis.  Preliminary tests with cadmium EDTA
demonstrated that over 95 percent recovery  of both
EDTA  and  cadmium   could   be  achieved  by
electrolysis.  The recovery  of the chelator  and the
metals after treatment  of the soil is novel.  Present
systems using  EDTA  have not been  economically
viable due  to the  high cost of chemicals.   The
researchers will optimize the concentration of chelator
to be used.  At higher chelator  concentrations, the
electrolysis cost will be minimized, but recovery of
the chelator from the soil will be less; consequently,
optimization is required. The soils to be studied will
encompass a  variety  of  physical and  chemical
characteristics including contaminant source, soil type,
and permeability. Operational factors that may affect
the metal extraction will be studied in batch and
column   systems.      These  include  chelator
concentration,  pH, soil characteristics,  contact time,
and  competing  ions  in  solution.    Voltammetric
measurements  will be used to establish the conditions
necessary for  the recovery  of the metal and  the
chelator.  Important variables include  the  electrode
material, solution pH, and the presence of dissolved
oxygen.  The researchers will design and construct an
electrolysis  cell  and  will  evaluate  the effect  of
different electrode  material deposition efficiency,
current requirement,  and  frequency  of  electrode
replacement. High current efficiency will be achieved
as a result of high mass transfer. A  determination of
the recovery of metal and chelator will be made and
the ability of the recovered chelator  to extract metals
from  soil will be elevated.   An integrated system,
incorporating  soil extraction and electrolysis, with
recycling of the recovered chelator, will be  set up.
The researchers plan to test  this integrated treatment
system of  several  soils  varying in properties and
metallic contaminants.

R82-1206-010

VUV-Photoionization  Mass  Spectrometry  as  a
Combustor/Incinerator Diagnostic Tool

Institution: Yale University
Principal Investigator: Lisa Pfefferle
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $373,121

This project proposes to develop and optimize  the
VUV  single-photon photo ionization  time-of-flight
mass spectrometry (VUV-MS).  It is a simple, highly
sensitive, real-time method for the  simultaneous
detection and measurement of a wide range of labile
and stable species  from hydrocarbon pyrolysis and
combustion processes. It will be used as a diagnostic
tool    for  analysis   of   hydrocarbon/halogenated
hydrocarbons for combustor/incinerator emissions and
continue over developments for studying hydrocarbon
oxidation and  pyrolysis kinetics.

R82-1245-010
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Fate of Bromide Ion and Bromide Compounds in
Water Treatment

Institution: Purdue University
Principal Investigator: Dale W. Margerum
Project Period:  3 years
Project Amount: $375,000

This project  will examine  in detail  the  possible
formation of bromate   ion   (a  carcinogen),  and
improved analytical methods, including capillary ion
electrophoresis, will  be  developed for its detection
and quantification. Studies of the chemical reactions,
kinetics,  and  products that result  from chlorination,
bromochlorination, or ozonation treatment of water
which  contains bromide ion  or bromine compounds
are proposed.  The reaction kinetics and mechanisms
of these  systems  will be determined in order to
indicate  conditions  that lead to bromate  (BrO3)
formation and  conditions  that  will  prevent  or
minimize its formation.  In the presence of ammonia
and  bromide  ion, water chlorination  leads to the
formation of haloamines. Much is known about the
chlorination;  however,  less  is known  about the
bromamines  and very  little  is  known  about the
properties, toxicity,  and  chemical behavior of the
bromochloramines. Bromochloramine chemistry will
be  determined,  and analytical methods,  such  as
electrospray mass spectrometry, will be developed for
analysis of bromochloramines and related compounds.
Individual chemical reactions and their product will
be studied in  order to understand their nature, and
knowledge of these reactions will permit analysis of
complex  systems  that  exist  under  environmental
conditions.

R82-1558-010

Phytoremediation: Using Plants to Clean up Toxic
Metal-Contaminated Soils and Water

Institution: Rutgers University
Principal Investigator: Ilya  Raskin
Project Period:  3 years
Project Amount: $373,000

The  goal of this  project is to further  the efficacy of
the  use  of  plants  to  remove toxic  metals  from
contaminated soils.  Preliminary work indicates that
the feasibility of this procedure has been demonstrated
using metal loaded onto artificial soil mix (sand plus
vermiculite).   Both plant stems and roots picked up
large  quantities   of  chromium and  lead in  this
preliminary testing.  It is proposed that these studies
be continued on  small green-house test plots using
actual metal contaminated soil from CERCLA sites In
the State  of New Jersey.   The  preliminary work
indicated  that  mustard plants possessed  superior
ability to remove metals from soil.  Several species
within this family appear best, i.e. Brassica juncea
and Brassica carinata.  For  example, the former
accumulated  18  mg/g  of  stem while  the latter
accumulated  115 mg/g root.  Several  other plants,
including   grasses,  also   demonstrated   favorable
aptitude  for removal of  metals.    It  was  also
demonstrated that removal of metals by plants could
occur in a hydroponic type system; thus, the treatment
of liquid  wastes  and sludges containing  metals  is
possible and will be investigated in this study.

R82-2591-010

Fabrication  and  Evaluation   of   Fiber  Optic
Photoreactors for the Photocatalytic Degradation
of Organic Contaminants and  the  Photoplating
Stripping of Heavy Metals

Institution: University of Wisconsin. Madison
Principal  Investigator: Marc Anderson
Project Period: 3 years
Project Amount: $366,240

The purpose of this project is to develop a method to
overcome certain limitations for remediating sites that
suffer  from  environmental contamination  or  for
remediating hazardous waste streams.  Only a few
commercial processes are  available for remediating
such sites.  These techniques, however, often produce
a variety of intermediate species, some of which are
even more hazardous  than the original contaminant.
None  of   these  techniques,  furthermore,  address
remediation of  mixed wastes  that  contain  both
hazardous organic species  and heavy metals.  Many
laboratory  studies have demonstrated that TiO2-
mediated  photocatalytic oxidation can completely
mineralize  a wide variety of organic species to CO2,
H2O,  and  halide  ions. Most photoreactors that  are
designed for laboratory studies of this phenomenon
utilize aqueous  suspensions of titania powders.  For
commercial use  such  reactors  must  contain  an
additional   unit  to separate the  catalyst  from  the
purified water after the reaction is completed.  The
resulting suspensions are often difficult to filter and
handle. This research will  employ optical fibers  as
the medium   for  transmitting   optical  radiation
throughout the  photoreactor. If the individual fibers
in a bundled assembly of UV-transmitting optical
fibers can  each be coated with a suitable thickness of
TiO2 catalyst, then it should be possible to fabricate
a photoreactor  that would  incorporate these coated
fibers.  The  resulting  reactor  would contain an
immobilized catalyst characterized by a large amount
                                                   33

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of active surface  and by the ability of the light to         direct the flow of electrons to a counterelectrode that
penetrate throughout the reactor.  In this system, the         is  characterized by a  high  surface  area.   This
coating of Ti2 on the fiber acts as a photoanode.  By         electrode can  then act as a collector of heavy metal
placing a biasing potential across the TiO2, one can          ions present in solution.
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                  ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIOECONOMICS
R82-2334-010

Regulating   Nonpoint   Source   Pollution   in
Heterogeneous Conditions

Institution: University of California, Davis
Principal Investigator: Gloria Helfand
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $128,651

This project will extend economic studies of nonpoint
source (NFS) water pollution in two directions. First,
it will evaluate  an alternative,  more realistic, method
for control of NFS pollution—taxing one, rather than
all, inputs to pollution. Although regulating all inputs
that affect pollution is necessary to achieve pollution
reduction at least social cost, regulating one input
may be technically and administratively more feasible.
This research will examine which single input should
be regulated in a second-best policy environment, and
how much higher control costs are relative  to more
efficient approaches.   Second, it  will  incorporate
heterogeneous land conditions  into this comparison to
reflect  the   reality  that   farmland  is  far  from
homogeneous in response  to  inputs. An agronomic
model  which predicts yields and effluent production
for specified inputs  will  be used to provide some
empirical results in addition to the theory.

R82-2363-010

Enforcement and Monitoring of Environmental
Laws:    An    Experimental  Examination   of
Compliance with Pollution Standards

Institution: University of Massachusetts,
   Boston
Principal Investigator: Paul Brown
Project Period: 1 year
Project Amount: $28,216

This project  will investigate  the following issues
relevant to  enforcement of environmental laws  and
compliance with pollution standards: (1) the extent of
internalization  of  emission  costs  that  could be
expected in the absence of governmental regulations,
(2)  whether penalty levels based on recapturing the
benefits  from  noncompliance  are  sufficient  for
reducing  emissions,  (3)  the   extent  to  which
compliance rates will  decrease  when sporadic  as
opposed to frequent monitoring is utilized, (4) the
effect on emissions levels of increasing the emission
standard, (5) the responsiveness of compliance levels
to increases in penalties, (6) the effects of stochastic
monitoring and input on compliance  rates, (7) the
relative effectiveness of threat and benefit messages
in enhancing  compliance, and (8)  the internalization
rates in highly competitive environments. A series of
laboratory  experiments, which  permit control that
field studies do not, will be utilized to address these
issues. In a modified public goods setting, individuals
will decide the percentage of  emission  costs  to
internalize  with  the remainder  of the costs  being
passed on to the group. The key to this environment
is that although there is an  incentive  for  each
individual to pass the costs on to the group, there is
a cooperative solution that is pareto optimal in which
members internalize all costs of emissions.  Using this
basic framework,  an  emissions  standard  will be
implemented under a variety of different conditions.
Such studies should help establish  a uniform code by
which  the  State agencies that  now  enforce and
monitor environmental  laws can develop in order to
establish consistency in enforcement.

R82-2368-010

Liability-Based Funding and Superfund Clean-up
Strategies: PRP Involvement and  the  Pace  of
Progress

Institution: University  of California, Los
  Angeles
Principal Investigator: Hilary Sigman
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $218,805

The project will investigate the empirical validity of
the  concern that the Potentially Responsible Parties
(PRPs)  influence both clean-up  strategies  that are
chosen for  Superfund sites and the pace of clean-up
programs.   The project will consist of two related
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components.  In one part the researchers will model
remedy selection as a  bargaining process between
public sector agencies responsible for clean-up and
private firms responsible for payment.  Drawing on
the law  and  economics  literature  on out-of-court
settlement of legal disputes, the researchers will create
a structural model to predict sites at which PRPs will
choose to settle. At the same time, they will examine
the determinants of expenditure at the site using the
status of PRP funding as an endogenous explanatory
variable. The data will be analyzed by employing a
joint model wherein the PRPs' decision to fund clean-
up and the level  of clean-up expenditure at the site
are   simultaneously    determined.    The   second
component  will  focus  on   an  examination  of
determinants of  the pace of clean-up progress at
Superfund sites. A specialized hazard of the duration
of sites in each of the main stages of clean-up will be
developed and estimated. This  model will allow the
researchers  to  examine the hypothesis  that  PRP-
funding influences the rate of progress.  It will also
permit correction of the sample selection bias that
could  result from  assuming that  sites  that  have
reached  a  given stage  in the  clean-up process
represent a random sample  of all National Priorities
List sites.

R82-2446-010

Verbal  Protocol  Analysis  of  Cost   Valuation
Responses

Institution: Research Triangle Institute
Principal Investigator: William Desvousages
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $238,510

The purpose of the project is to understand better how
individuals  interpret  and  respond to  contingent
valuation (CV) questions.  The research will address
three  issues:  the  reliability   of   the  referendum
questions  format,  the  importance  of  reminding
respondents about substitutes, and the sensitivity of
CV  estimates  of the  scope  of potential  natural
resource  injuries.   An  interdisciplinary team of
economists and psychologists will direct the research.
A verbal protocol methodology adapted from the field
of cognitive psychology will be  used to provide
insights into thought processes that lead to  observed
CV response.  These protocols involve the process of
respondents "thinking aloud"  while they answer the
CV questions.  This process yields insights on both
the decision  process  that people use to answer
questions  and the information they  use as part of the
decision process.  Protocols will follow a research
design that will enable the results to be useful for
both hypothesis testing and developing more general
insights about people's response patterns. Surveys will
be used to further test  the  findings of the  verbal
protocol research.
R82-2464-010

Characterizing
Ecological Risk
and   Interpreting   Perceived
Institution: Decision Science Research
   Institute, Inc.
Principal Investigator: Paul Slovic
Project Period: 2 years
Project Amount: $185,403

This  project  has  two  basic  components:  (1)
characterizing  ecological risk  perception, and (2)
interpreting these  findings to  provide insight for
ecological risk-management  activities.    A  risk-
perception paradigm will be adapted to investigate the
underlying characteristics that explain differing public
perceptions of ecological risks.  People will be asked
to rate,  on a  set of psychometric  risk-perception
scales, a number of  human  activities  and  natural
hazards that are sources of potential ecological harm.
 Data on individual characteristics of the raters (such
as "worldviews," value orientations, and attitudes
toward nature) will also be collected.  The results will
be analyzed using multivariate  statistical techniques
such as factor analysis to identify underlying factors
that  explain differences in the  perceived  ecological
risk  of different activities.  The data will also  be
analyzed  to determine characteristics of individuals
that help shape personal risk-perception patterns.
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                         INDEX BY PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
                                                                                           Page
Allen, Herbert E.
Anderson, Marc
Anderson, Robert
Arp, Daniel J.
Bengtson, David A.
Birks, John W.
Bollag, Jean-Marc
Bortone, Stephen A.
Briggs, John M.
Brand, Larry
"Remediation of Metal Contaminated
Soil by Complexing Agents Incorporating
Metal Recovery and Chelator Recovery,"
University of Delaware

"Fabrication and Evaluation of Fiber Optic
Photoreactors for the Photocatalytic Degradation
of Organic Contaminants and the Photoplating
Stripping of Heavy Metals," University of
Wisconsin, Madison

"Geostatistical Analysis of Solute
Transport in Alluvial Fan Fades," University of
California, Santa Cruz

"Degradation of Alkyl Halides by
Nitrifying Bacteria Associated with
Soil,"Oregon State University

"Investigation of Linkages Between
Biomarker Indicators and Population-
Level Responses," University of Rhode Island

"Development of New Techniques for
Atmospheric Profiling of Hydrocarbon
Oxidation Products Using Kites as
"Sky Hooks," University  of Colorado

"Development of An Economic Treatment
System to Detoxify Organic Chemicals,"
University of Pennsylvania

"The Impact of Paper Mill Effluent on the
Reproduction, Growth, Behavior,
Fitness, and Survivorship of Coastal
Fishes," University of West  Florida

"Use of Remotely Sensed  Data on
Phenological Activity and Heterogeneity
to Detect Changes in Grassland
Species Composition in Response to
Stress," Kansas State University

"The Effects of Ultraviolet-B
Radiation on Marine Phytoplankton
Species," Umiversity of Miami
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                                                                                             Page
Brown, Paul
Butler, Leslie G.
Carleson, Tom
Cartledge, Frank K.
Cherr, Gary N.
Chin, P. I. Yu-Ping
Chronsiter, E. L.
Cobb, G. C.
Cohan, Frederick M.



Copley, Shelley D.


Crawford, Ronald I.
"Enforcement and Monitoring of
Environmental Laws: An Experimental
Examination of Compliance with Pollution
Standards," University of Massachusetts,
Boston

"NMR for Diagnostic Testing of
Solidified Hazardous Waste,"
Louisiana State University

"Absorption of Sulfur Dioxide by
Circulating and Oscillating Drops,"
University of Idaho

"NMR for Diagnostic Testing of
Solidified Hazardous Waste,"
Louisiana State University

"Biological Effects and Mechanisms
of Action of Lignin-Derived
Macromolecules," University of California,
Davis

"Configuration and Sorption Properties
of Two Synthetic Humic Substance Analogs:
Polymaleic Acid and Pyrene-Labeled
Polyacrylic Acid," Ohio State University

"Chemically Selective  Fiber Optic
Detection and Characterization of
Aqueous Impurities," University  of California,
Riverside

"Immunotoxicity: A sensitive Biomarker
for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Exposure," Clemson University Research
Foundation

"Effect of DNA Sequence Divergence on
Gene Transfer Between Bacterial Species,"
Wesleyan University

"Kinetic Studies of  4-Chlorobenzoyl
Co A Dehalogenase," University of Colorado

"Transport, Degradation, and Survival
                                                                                                35
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13
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Dasgupta, P. K.
Davidowitz, Paul
Deegan, Linda A.
Desvousages, William
Dickerson, R. L.
of Free and Encapsulated Microbial Cells in a
Heterogeneous Subsurface Environment,"
 University of Idaho

 "Determination of Trace Atmospheric
 Gases by Capillary Electrophoresis (CE).
 Size-Selecting Sampling and Analysis
 of Atmospheric Particles by CE-Based
 Analyzer," Texas Tech University

 "Heterogeneous Gas-Liquid Interactions
 Relative to Tropospheric Ozone Formation-
 Destruction Processes," Boston College

 "Testing the Estuarine Biotic Integtrity
 Index Across Biogeographis Regions," Marine
 Biological Laboratory

 "Verbal Protocol Analysis of Cost
 Variation Responses," Research Triangle
 Institute

 "Immunotoxicity: A sensitive Biomarker
 for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon
 Esposure," Clemson University Research
 Foundation
                                                                                             Page
                                                                                               14
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                                                                                                22
                                                                                                21
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                                                                                                14
Di Giano, Francis A.
Di Giulio, Richard T.
Dunson, W. A.
Dwyer, Daryl F.
 "Engineering of Oxidation and Granular
 Activated Carbon Treatment Processes to
 Meet New Objectives in Drinking Water
 Treatment," University of North Carolina

 "Comparative Mechanisms of Hydrocarbon
 Metabilism and Genotoxicity in Two Ictalurid
 Fishes," Duke University

 "Treehole Communities as Bioindicators ov
 Forest Stemflow Pollution and Ecosystem
 Stress," Pennsylvania State University

 "Field and Micrcosm Studies for Evaluating the
 the Bioremediation Potential of Genetically Engineered
 Microorganisms in  Aquifers," University of Minnesota
                                                                                                31
                                                                                                20
                                                                                                17
                                                                                                18
Edwards, Gerald E.
 "Analysis of Photosynthetic Markers of
 Stress Caused by Plant Exposure to
 UV-B Light,"  Washington State University
                                                                                                18
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                                                                                             Page
Erlandsen, Stanley L.
Fairchild, G. Winfield
Fish, Ernest B.
Fisher, Stuart G.
Fox, George E.
Friedlander, Sheldon
Galwick, Frances P.
Gold, M.H.
Gordon, Milton P.


Haggblom, Max
"Development of Specific Gene Probes
for Giardia Spp. to Resolve Zoonotic
Origin of Water-Borne Giardiasis,"
University of Minnesota

"Aquatic Invertebrate Succession in Freshwater
Marshes: An Evaluation of Acquired Function in
Created and Restored Wetlands," West Chestire
University

"Integrated Indicators of Stress in
Playa Lakes:  Wetland Ecosystems in a
Sea of Aridity and Agriculture," Texas
Tech University

"Ecology of Hyporheic and Groundwater
Communities: Distribution, Response, and
Recovery from Disturbance," Arizona State
University

"Artificial Stable  RNAs: A Novel
Approach for Monitoring Genetically
Engineered Microorganisms," University of Houston

"Applications of Receptor Modeling to
Time Series Data  for Aerosol Chemical
Components," University of California,  Los Angeles

"Long-Term  Variation in Fish
Asemblages of Warm-Water Stresses:
Natural Variance  and Approaches
to Detecting Variation," University  of Oklahoma

"Biochemistry of  Chloroaromatic Pollutant
Degradation by Wood-Rotting Fungus
Phanerochaete chrysosporium," Oregon  Graduate
Institute of Science & Technology

"Degradation of Environmental Pollutants
by Plants," University of Washington
                             "Anaerobic Degradation of Chlorinated Benzoic
                             Acid Herbicides Coupled to Denitrification," The
                             State University of New Jersey
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17
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                                                                                              Page
Hawthorne, Steven
Hays, John
Helfand, Gloria



Hercules, David


Hoober, Kenneth



Hopke, Philip K.



Knight, Rosemary


Leff, Laura
Lick, Wilburt


Lidicker, William Z.


Lippmann, Morton
Manning, William J.
    "Solventless Extraction of Organic
Pollutants from Water with Solid-Base
Microextraction," University of North Dakota

"Activity and Regulation by UV-Light of
DNA Repair Functions of Declining and
Persistent Amphibian Populations,"Oregon State
University

"Regulating Nonpoint Source Pollution in
Heterogeneous  Conditions," University of
California, Davis

"Quantitative Analysis Directly from
Matrices Using TOF-SDVIS," University of Pittsburgh

"Studies on the Mechanisms Underlying
Sensitivity to SO, and O,," Arizona State University
 "Development of Multivariate Receptor
 Models for the Determination of the
 Sources of Airborne Pollutants," Clarkson University

 "Integrated Subsurface Imaging for
 Hydrologic Site Characteristics," Stanford University

 "A Novel Approach for Assessment of
 Anthropogenic Disturbance: A Search for
 Bacterial Indicator Species in
 Southeastern Streams and Rivers," Kent State University

 "Sorption and Transport of HOCs in
 Aquatic Systems," University of California, Santa Barbara

 "Small Mammal  Population Responses
 to Multiple Stressors," University of California

 "Influence of Organic Films on
 Reactivity and  Hydroscopicity
 of Sulfuric Acid Aerosol," New York University
 Medical Center

 "Assessing the  Response of Three
 Pine Species to Ozone, Utilizing
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26
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24
26
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28
12
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                                                                                            Page
Margerum, Dale W.


Matthews, William J.
Mollhagen, Tony R.
Moorehead, Daryl L.
Nash Thomas J.



Navko, Gary


Novotny, Vladimir
Olesik, Susan
Pankow, James F.
Perdue, Michael
the Antioxidants Ethylenediurea
and Sodium Erythorbate, "University of
Massachusetts

"Fate of Bromide  Ion and Bromide
Compounds in Water Treatment," Purdue University

"Long-Term Variation in Fish
Assemblages of Warm-Water Stresses:
Natural Variance  and Approaches to
Detecting Variation," University of Oklahoma

"Integrated Indicators of Stress in
Playa Lakes:  Wetland Ecosystems in a
Sea of Aridity and Agriculture," Texas Tech
University

"Integtated Indicators of Stress in
Playa Lakes:  Wetland Ecosystems in a
Sea of Aridity and Agriculture," Texas Tech
University

"Studies of the Mechanisms Underlying
Lichen Sensitivity to SO2 and O,," Arizona State
University

"Integrated Subsurface Imaging for
Hydrologic Site Characteristics,"  Stanford University

"Development of an Adaptive Methodology
for On-Line Computerized Modelling and Real
Time Control of Wastewater Treatment
Facilities,"  Marquette University

"Development of Extraction and HPLC
Methods Based on Enhanced-Fluidity
Liquids for the  Analysis of Polar
Contaminants in Sand,  Soil, and
Sediments," Ohio State Research Foundation

"A Study of Absorptive Gas/Particle
Partitioning to Ambient Aerosol
Organic Material," Oregon Graduate Institution

"Using Cadmium-113 Nuclear Resonance
Spectroscopy to Study Cation Binding
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19
26
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                                                                                            Page
Pfefferle, Lisa


Raskin, Dya


Roesijandi, G.
Scandalios, John G.



Schwartz, Frank


Shinha, M. P.
Shultz, Mary Jane


Sigman, Hilary



Sikka, Harish C.



Slovic, Paul


Thiemens, Mark


Thompson, Michael


Tsang, Tate H.
by Organic Matter," Georgia Institute of Technology                 27

"VUV-Photoionization Mass Spectrometry as a Combuster/
Incinerator Diagnostic Tool," Yale University                        32

"Photoremediation Using Plants to Clean Up Toxic Metal-
Contaminants and Water,"  Rutgers University                       33

"Effects of Metals on Immunological Dysfunction and
Metallothionein Modulation in Hemocytes and Oysters
Infected with Perkinsus marinus: A Characterization of
Putative Environmental Biomarkers," University of
Maryland                                                        16

"Expression and Functional Roles of the Maize MnSod
Multigene Family During Development and Under
Environmental Stress," North Carolina State University              20

"Reactive Contaminant Transport in Density Flow
Systems," Ohio State University                                    27

"Development of Portable Gas Chromatograph-Mass
Spectrograph (GC-MS) with a Microbore Column and an
Array Deractor for Field Measurements," California Institute
of Technology for Propulsion Laboratory                            30

"Stratospheric Sulfate Aerosols and Heterogeneous Ozone
Destruction," Tufts University                                      24

"Liability-based Funding and Superfund Clean-Up Strategies:
PRP Involvement and Pace of Progress," University of
California, Los Angeles                                            35

"Metabolism of Methylated Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons by Microorganisms," State University of New
York                                                             12

"Characterizing  and Interpreting Perceived Ecological
Risk," Decision Research Institute, Inc.                             36

"Development of New Isotopic Techniques for Resolution of
the Atmospheric N2O Budget,"                                     23

"Colloid-Facilitated Transport of Heavy Metals in a Sludge-
Amended Agroforestry System," Iowa State University               31

"Advanced Modeling of Concentration Fluctuations,
                                                43

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                                                                                                    Page
        Van Beneden, Rebecca


        Wang, Y. T.


        Wood, Alan H.



        Yeung, P. K.


        Zhao, Jian
        Zielinska, Barbara
Reactive Plumes and Surface Inhomogeneity,"
University of Kentucky

"A Molecular Approach for the Study of Environmental
Carcinogenesis," University of Maine

"Simultaneous Microbial Detoxification of Chromium
and Organic Pollutants," University of Kentucky

"Potential Ecological Effects of Baculovirus Pesticides
on Nontarget Insect Species," Boyce Thompson Institute
of Plant Research

"Numerical Simulation of Turbulant Dispersion and Relative
Diffuision," Georgia Institute of Technology

"2 to 5 jim Room-Temperature Semiconductor Multiquantum
Well Tunable Photodectors for Ultrasensitive Detection
of Hazardous Pollutants," Rutgers, The State University
of New Jersey

"Characterization of Motor Vehicle Emission," University
of Nevada
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23
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U S  Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5, Library (PL-12J)         n
77 West Jackson Boulevard,  12th HOOT
Chicago, IL  60604-3590
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