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Research Fellowships

Implications of Gut Content Purging upon Chemical Residues in Lumbriculus variegatus for Highly Hydrophobic Chemicals

EPA Office of Research and Development

EPA National Science Foundation Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP) & Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Opportunities

Opportunity Title:

Implications of Gut Content Purging upon Chemical Residues in Lumbriculus variegatus for Highly Hydrophobic Chemicals

Research Area:

Safer Chemicals Research

EPA Lab/Center/Office:

Center for Computational Toxicology & Exposure, Great Lakes Toxicology & Ecology Division, Translational Toxicology Branch

Location:

Duluth, MN

Duration:

3 – 12 months

Brief Summary:

EPA’s sediment bioaccumulation test with Lumbriculus variegatus is routinely performed on sediments from contaminated sites.  Recent research results suggest biphasic elimination kinetics for highly hydrophobic chemicals (chemicals with log KOW > 9.0).  This research opportunity will perform studies to understand the causes of the biphasic elimination kinetics for these chemicals.  The research results will be submitted to peer-review journal for publication. 

Opportunity Description:

The graduate research intern will be able to work with EPA researchers that have developed EPA’s sediment tests for freshwater organisms.  The intern will get hands on experience in doing research with sediments, and get a broad exposure to issues associated with contaminated sediments. 

Opportunities for Professional Development:

This internship provides the graduate experience in performing sediment testing, understanding how EPA sediment testing methods are developed, and will introduce the graduate to the broad scientific area of toxicology associated with benthic organisms and contaminated sediments.   

Point of Contact or Mentor:

Lawrence Burkhard   burkhard.lawrence@epa.gov

Field(s) of Study:

Please contact the EPA point of contact for this project.