Superfund Research Program
Toxicant Exposures in Rhode Island: Past, Present, and Future
Center Director: Robert H. Hurt
Grant Number: P42ES013660
Funding Period: 2005-2021
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Research Briefs
- 323 - New Passive Sampling Device for PFAS -- Lohmann, Hurt
Release Date: 11/03/2021Researchers from the NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP)-funded centers at the University of Rhode Island (URI) and Brown University developed a new type of passive sampling device for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Their new tool overcomes many limitations to traditional approaches, such as detecting short-chain PFAS and low concentrations of the chemicals in water.
- 271 - New 3D Fish Liver Model for Aquatic Toxicology -- Kane
Release Date: 07/12/2017Researchers at the Brown University Superfund Research Program (SRP) Center have developed a new 3D liver cell model that can be used to screen chemicals for toxicity in fish. The new model uses fish liver cells cultured to form 3D microtissue, so researchers can assess liver toxicants over time and after single and repeated exposures.
- 257 - Using Field Data and Numerical Modeling to Assess Vapor Intrusion Risk -- Pennell
Release Date: 05/04/2016A recent Superfund Research Program (SRP) study reveals that measurements of chemical concentrations in groundwater may not be a good indicator of whether the chemicals are seeping into buildings and contaminating indoor air. The findings provide insight into how an approach incorporating multiple lines of evidence, including soil gas measurements and a 3-D model, can be used to better evaluate exposure risks from vapor intrusion into homes and buildings.
- 238 - Measuring Vapor Intrusion to Estimate Underground Contamination -- Suuberg
Release Date: 10/01/2014Scientists from the Brown University Superfund Research Program (Brown SRP) have taken a step toward providing a simpler, accurate screening method to determine whether chemicals in underground sources are seeping into buildings and contaminating indoor air. Led by Eric Suuberg, Sc.D., P.E., the researchers developed process models, basically numerical equations, to predict the concentrations of vapors that enter indoor environments. Published in a series of three papers, results from the process models were consistent with advanced computer modeling techniques.
- 227 - Lead Discovered at Higher Levels Below the Soil Surface -- Thompson, Boekelheide
Release Date: 11/06/2013Measuring lead soil contamination at the surface may miss higher concentrations just below the ground, according to a new study from the Brown University Superfund Research Program (SRP). Researchers analyzed hundreds of soil samples from residential properties around six water tower sites in southern Rhode Island and found that even when lead levels on the surface are low, concentrations can be greater at depths down to a foot.
- 217 - Majority of Women Exposed to Multiple Pollutants -- Thompson
Release Date: 01/02/2013According to a new analysis of thousands of U.S. women of child bearing age, most exceeded the median blood level for two or more environmental pollutants - lead, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) - that are known to harm brain development of fetuses and infants.
- 205 - Ramping Up Mixed Metals Removal -- Calo
Release Date: 01/04/2012To remove trace metals from water, two methods may be better than one. Brown University researchers have developed an innovative two-part strategy to safely eliminate metals from water without producing toxic sludge.
- 174 - Gene-Environment Interactions: PCB Exposures and Adverse Effects on Pregnancy -- Sharma
Release Date: 06/03/2009 - 164 - New Nanomaterials to Capture Mercury Vapor Released from Compact Fluorescent Lamps -- Hurt
Release Date: 08/06/2008 - 160 - High-Performance Carbon-Based Mercury Sorbents -- Hurt
Release Date: 04/02/2008 - 148 - Dual Role for Vitamin C in Cr(VI) Toxicity -- Zhitkovich
Release Date: 04/04/2007