Local 12: UC investigates potential PFAS contamination in groundwater
Now the monitoring site named for UC Professor Emeritus David Nash and the late hydrogeologist C.V. Theis will turn its focus to excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous and contaminants such as PFAS.
Groundwater is a source of drinking water for more than 2 million people in Ohio. Scientists are trying to understand what happens to chemicals such as PFAS, known as a forever chemicals, that leaches into the groundwater.
PFAS has been found in water along the entirety of the Ohio River.
UC microbiologist Annette Rowe, an assistant professor of biology, said many chemicals we release into the environment end up in our drinking water.
"The more we produce, the more we put into those ecosystems, the more they accumulate and have the potential to have detrimental impacts on every trophic level," she told Local 12.
We're just trying to understand what's going on and how big a problem it is. And every researcher's hope is that then will lead us to how do we fix these problems?" Rowe said.
UC is looking at ways microbes interact with the chemicals, which could make them less harmful to human health, Rowe said.
Featured image at top: UC students work with water samples at the groundwater observatory, which includes a network of monitoring wells. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Latest UC News
- Diabetes, heart problems and kidney disease are closely linkedThe University of Cincinnati's Estrelita Dixon was featured in a New York Times article discussing ways to manage heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease, chronic diseases which are often linked.
- Seminar sessions offer career prep for MS-IS studentsThe recent fall and spring semesters offered students enrolled in Lindner's Master of Science in information systems (MS-IS) program the opportunity to connect their academic learnings with the realities of the business world.
- LastPass password manager now available for UC staffThe University of Cincinnati has partnered with LastPass to provide staff with enhanced password management services. This news article provides more details about the initiative launched on May 1, offering information and resources to help staff set up and use LastPass effectively for improved online security.
- Can new rules in Ohio address a pharmacy staffing shortage and improve care?The University of Cincinnati's Michael Hegener joined WVXU's Cincinnati Edition to discuss recent rules released by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy designed to address pharmacy staffing.
- UC’s Dean Lawrence J. Johnson, a transformative figure in CECH, celebrates 25 yearsThe University of Cincinnati's College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology Dean Lawrence J. Johnson retires this year after 25 years in the role (and 34 years with the college). In this article we look at his road to academia and journey to a transformative quarter century at UC.
- Pianist, educator and scholar Lynn Worcester Jones joins CCM’s facultyUC College-Conservatory of Music Interim Dean Jonathan Kregor has announced the addition of Lynn Worcester Jones, DMA, to the college’s roster of distinguished performing and media arts faculty members. Jones is an innovative pianist, educator, writer, speaker, mentor and leader who encourages career preparation and excellence in students. She begins her new role as Associate Professor of Piano Pedagogy and Coordinator of Group Piano at CCM on Aug. 15, 2024.