Aria Amirbahman
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
5711 Boardman
Orono, ME 04469
207.581.1277
aria@umit.maine.edu

Estuarine and coastal sediments release DOC due to the high level of organic matter decay brought about by microbial activity, particularly sulfate reduction. High levels of DOC can lead to mobilization of toxic metals and chemicals. DOC flux may be affected by an increase in microbial activity due to rising temperatures and changing hydrology as a result of climate change.

In this project, Dr. Amirbahman is using the "eddy-correlation" technique to quantify vertical movement of DOC across the sediment-water interface. Unlike other methods, this one allows for real-time, non-intrusive measurements of water velocity. Sea Grant funds are supporting graduate student Michael Swett.

For related Sea Grant research by Dr. Amirbahman, see the Research in Focus Fact Sheet, Mercury in the Penobscot River Estuary.

Total: $3,500