![]() Thus, we also measured the same suite of metals in samples from three cruises in Gulf of Mexico waters surrounding Galveston Bay. The Gulf of Mexico also interacts directly with Galveston Bay freshwaters. We show that different natural river fluxes, disasters like hurricanes and chemical spills, and regional anthropogenic sources have metal-specific impacts on the distribution and concentration of metals in the Bay over time. To tease apart these sources and sinks, we created a dissolved metal time series over nine research cruises in Galveston Bay, across eight sampling stations. Thus, the distribution of each metal varies uniquely as a result of its own anthropogenic/natural sources, and each interacts with the natural ecosystem (salinity gradient, sediments, and ecosystem) of Galveston Bay in different ways. In the Bay estuary, some metals serve as essential micronutrients for biota, while other metals act as neurotoxins that could endanger the valuable fisheries within the Bay. The greater Houston area houses a third of the petrochemical industry in the U.S., serving as a significant potential source of toxic metals to the Bay (such as lead), while two rivers also carry natural sources of metals (e.g. Galveston Bay is an anthropogenic estuary where human-impacted freshwaters mix with saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, we will have a better understanding in possible partitioning of PFAS to fish tissue. It is expected that with the completion of this study that we will have an understanding of a trend the distribution of PFAS in Galveston Bay and whether these compounds have transported to open ocean from coastal environments. The speciation of PFAS in fish and water will be compared to understand preferential partitioning of these compounds to fish tissues. The objective of this research study is to understand the distributions of PFAS in Galveston Bay and compare their concentrations with that observed in the Gulf of Mexico. These events could change the PFAS distribution in Galveston Bay due to run-off. To extinguish the ITC fire, firefighting foam potentially containing PFAS was used. The local Houston area has recently been subjected to two major events, Hurricane Harvey and the Deer Park Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire. PFAS can accumulate in bodies of water because of pollution or events of run off. Consumption of fish and drinking water are major avenues for human contact with PFAS. PFAS are not metabolized by mammals which allows some of the higher molecular weight compounds to bioaccumulate in humans and other mammals. PFAS are present in nonstick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam, etc. The VSAT satellite and security operations on Vieques are part of the Army’s continuous efforts to assist Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the island territory.Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have gained increased attention from scientists, environmental regulators, and the general public, due to their emergence as a new contaminant in water and wildlife. "The satellite is going to help us keep and maintain better communication," said Cruz. Ariel Cruz, a noncommissioned officer with the 125th Military Police Battalion, Puerto Rico National Guard. The civilian network that the Soldiers on Vieques were relying on constantly crashed and hadglitches, said Staff Sgt. "This will allow them to get email, get data, access the internal net and allow for voice over internet protocol capabilities so that they can operate."ĭuring disaster recovery operations, effective communication is necessary to coordinate military and civilian assets. ![]() ![]() Joseph Andahl, platoon leader, 3631st Signal Company, New Mexico National Guard. "Our mission is to establish a VSAT link, said 2nd Lt. Prior to the satellite link, the Guard members were limited to cell phone and radio communications. Puerto Rico National Guardsmen are on the island to provide security at pieces of critical infrastructure including the school, hospital and fresh-water pumping station. Vieques is an island nearly 20 miles off the coast of mainland Puerto Rico that was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Soldiers from the New Mexico National Guard set up a VSAT, a very small aperture terminal satellite, in Vieques, Puerto Rico, to give other Guard members stationed there a better communication link between with Joint Task Force Puerto Rico headquarters in San Juan.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |