Engineering Professor Receives NSF Early Career Award To Study Key Processes In Aquatic Systems

Dissolved Organic Matter and its Role in the Carbon Cycle

Introduction

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is present in all water bodies, including saltwater and freshwater. It plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, which is essential for sustaining life on Earth by facilitating the circulation of carbon in various forms through the environment and nature.

The Importance of DOM and Sunlight Interaction

The interaction between DOM and sunlight is vital for the effective functioning of the carbon cycle. However, the chemical structure of light-absorbing compounds, known as chromophores, in DOM is still limited.

Investigating DOM Chromophores

Dr. Garrett McKay, principal investigator of the Aquatic Chemistry Lab and assistant professor in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University, has been awarded the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study the chemical composition of chromophores in DOM.

The CAREER Award is the NSF’s most prestigious award for early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education. Over five years, McKay and his research group will utilize the $584,000 grant to investigate the structure and behavior of DOM chromophores while integrating teaching and research.

Research Hypothesis

McKay’s team hypothesizes that the intermolecular interactions responsible for the brown or yellow hue of natural organic matter also influence the optical properties of related materials. They have collaborated with a group at Ohio State University studying melanin, a pigment found in hair and skin, which shares similarities in optical properties with DOM. This collaboration has sparked new and interesting research questions.

Significance of Studying Chromophore Structure

Understanding the structure of chromophores in dissolved organic matter is crucial because it influences key processes in aquatic systems, such as elemental cycles, contaminant attenuation, and ocean productivity. However, the lack of molecular-level knowledge about these interactions makes it challenging to predict their impacts on DOM reactions.

Similar optical properties are observed in atmospheric systems, indicating potential commonalities in their chemical basis. This research will not only benefit the DOM community but also contribute to the understanding of complex systems with poorly understood optical and photochemical properties, such as melanin, atmospheric brown carbon, and crude oil.

Advanced Analytical Tools and Measurements

In addition to training undergraduate and graduate students, McKay will utilize advanced analytical tools to identify the structural components of light-absorbing groups within DOM and examine their interactions. The team will conduct measurements at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory’s (NHMFL) Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry to characterize the molecular structure of DOM. The NHMFL is an NSF-supported user facility, enhancing predictions regarding the behavior and reactivity of DOM in the environment.

Education and Outreach

As part of the CAREER award, McKay will focus on education and outreach efforts to various audiences. This includes an educational outreach program that allows underrepresented groups to study DOM chromophores in a local water body using state-of-the-art techniques. Specifically, an aquatic science course at Lufkin High School in Lufkin, Texas, will be involved in this program.

“I am excited for the opportunity to continue working with Lufkin High School,” McKay said. “We hosted a high-school teacher from Lufkin in the summer of 2022 as part of an NSF-funded project. It was a great experience.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the importance of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in environmental carbon cycling, which is crucial for sustaining life on Earth. This connects to SDG 13, which focuses on climate action, as carbon cycling plays a significant role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Additionally, DOM is found in water bodies, both saltwater and freshwater, highlighting its relevance to SDG 14 (life below water) and SDG 15 (life on land), as it impacts aquatic systems and elemental cycles.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds
• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services

Based on the article’s content, the following targets can be identified. Target 13.2 is relevant because understanding the chemical composition of chromophores in DOM can contribute to developing effective climate change measures. Target 14.1 is connected as studying DOM can help prevent and reduce marine pollution caused by organic matter. Target 15.1 is applicable because investigating the behavior of DOM chromophores can contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of freshwater ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
• Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards those targets. Indicator 13.2.1 can measure progress in integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning. Indicator 14.1.1 can assess the index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density, which relates to marine pollution prevention. Indicator 15.1.1 can measure the proportion of forest area as an indicator of terrestrial ecosystem conservation.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

This table summarizes the SDGs, targets, and indicators identified in the article. It provides a clear overview of the connections between the article’s content and the relevant sustainable development goals, targets, and indicators.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: today.tamu.edu

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