09/01/2019-8/31/2022

Funding: National Science Foundation – Major Research Instrumentation (NSF MRI) Award

Performers: Kurt Pennell (Brown), Bob Hurt (Brown), Jess Plavicki (Brown), Joe Braun (Brown), Vicki Colvin (Brown)

Personnel: Kate Manz, Matt Woodcock

Abstract: 

Recent instances of human exposure to environmental contaminants include elevated levels of lead in Flint, Michigan tap water and the detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Cape Fear River Basin, which serves as a drinking water supply for Wilmington, North Carolina.  These cases have contributed to a public awakening and the recognition that we may be unknowingly exposed to wide range of environmental contaminants.  This project seeks to address this issue by supporting the purchase of a high-resolution mass spectrometer (Thermo Scientific QExactive Orbitrap). The unique capabilities of the QExactive mass spectrometer allow for the separation of thousands of chemicals contained in a single sample, as well as the identification of these chemicals at trace concentrations.  This instrument will enable research and training on the measurement of organic contaminants in environmental (e.g., soil and water) and biological samples (e.g., blood and urine), as well as the assessment of changes in the human metabolism in response to contaminant exposure.

The project brings together a diverse and highly-active research team to determine the prevalence of contaminants in the environment and advance our understanding of the effects of chemical exposures on human health.

Research Objectives:

  • Identifying metabolic alterations associated with exposure to environmental contaminants.
  • Detecting contaminants in soil, water and air samples.
  • Measuring the contaminant levels in humans.
  • Identifying biomarkers associated with adverse health outcomes.

These activities will support research conducted by undergraduate and graduate students, who will receive personalized training related to instrument operation, data extraction, and analysis.  The QExactive mass spectrometer will be available to both internal and external researchers and will be used to support environmental monitoring efforts affiliated with local schools, research centers and community organizations.