Project Title: Environmental metabolomics- An emerging approach to study organism response to environmental stressors and emerging pollutants
Contaminants in the environment represent a challenge for scientists. There is a need for the development of environmental methodologies to address the analysis of these substances and to understand their transformation, migration and potential effects on the ecosystems.111 PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are pervasive chemicals found in various consumer and industrial products, posing significant environmental and health risks.112 This study investigates PFAS distribution and temporal trends in sediment cores and water samples from San Juan Bay and San José Lagoon, impacted by PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams released from a fire training facility. PR CLIMB students will assess PFAS concentrations and composition profiles by non-targeted mass spectrometry metabolomic analysis, determine sediment-water partitioning coefficients for individual PFAS, and estimate fluxes and trends. The research enhances understanding of PFAS transport mechanisms, retention factors, and environmental impacts. It contributes intellectually by aiding regulatory decisions, and promoting strategies to minimize PFAS in aquatic ecosystems, safeguarding both the environment and human health.
Skills: PR-CLIMB participants will learn about the immense potential and versatility of environmental metabolomics as a routine tool for characterizing the responses of organisms to numerous types of environmental stressors. They will learn to use metabolomic analysis platforms such as XCMS Online coupled with METLIN library, Biospider, and Colmar for NMR data analysis.
Skills: PR-CLIMB participants will learn about the immense potential and versatility of environmental metabolomics as a routine tool for characterizing the responses of organisms to numerous types of environmental stressors. They will learn to use metabolomic analysis platforms such as XCMS Online coupled with METLIN library, Biospider, and Colmar for NMR data analysis.