Environmental
The foundations of the planet’s ecosystem are shifting beneath the feet of humanity, largely driven by the interdependencies of food production, water usage, and energy consumption. As we move towards a more sustainable future, we are confronted with trying to answer important environmental quality questions with grand challenges to overcome. These challenges have largely been created by humanity and can also be solved by humanity.
Advances in environmental chemistry and statistical modeling have been foundational to understanding the chemical fate of current and emerging contaminants, such as microplastics, carbon-based nanoparticles, and antibiotics. With more accurate data, we can realize the promise of improved environmental management outcomes, which benefit our planet and humanity.
Environmental Analytical Chemistry Challenges
Developing quantitative methods for emerging contaminants such as nanoparticles, microplastics, fracking fluids and engineered biomolecules has been identified as one of the top five most pressing environmental quality questions from the Global Horizon Scanning Project.
Analytical methods are the lenses through which the environmental quality of an ecosystem is first viewed. Without high quality methods, the perception of the environment can become distorted. Fortunately, advances in instrumentation have made it easier to monitor environmental contaminants, yet there is increased recognition that current methods can only investigate a very small subset of thousands of chemicals.
We understand the need for accurate, precise and sensitive methods to assess contamination in a wide variety of complex media. We work closely with our clients to find and develop methods that will exceed their expectations.
Enhancing Predictive Models of Chemical Exposure
Predictive modeling of chemical exposure is a critical component of effective environmental stewardship that protects the environment and the public health. However, ecosystems are very complex. Contamination is introduced over time and space in highly variable ways. Statistics have a major role in quantifying effects, assessing consequences, and providing evidence of relationships.