MBEC

UMass School of Marine Sciences > Marine Biogeochemistry and Environmental Change

Mitigate the Impact of Biogeochemicals

The production, consumption, and alteration of chemical species by aquatic organisms are central to the functioning of marine systems.  The supply and recycling of nutrients and trace metals is an important control on plant productivity.  Ecosystem activity and structure as well as their alteration are often monitored through chemical signatures.  Human impacts are felt through perturbation of natural cycles as in the case of eutrophication and through release of contaminants as in the case of toxic organic compounds (e.g., PCB's) and heavy metals.  These impacts can be both local and global in nature.

The student pursuing this area of emphasis is expected to develop a fundamental understanding of major marine biogeochemical cycles and their interactions with physical and biological components of the system.  Since the ability to monitor these cycles is often analytically limited, students are encouraged to become competent in pertinent sensor technology.