I am interested in what happens to pollutants in the coastal ocean. Pollutants often accumulate in muds and sediments, so my work seeks to understand if pollutants (especially toxic metals) are permanently trapped in sediments or if they can be re-released back into the water column. To investigate this I use a combination of field sampling, careful laboratory analysis, experiments and modeling.

The overall aim of my research is to understand the generation, cycling, fate, and effects of contaminants in the environment. I approach such problems with rigorous and unique chemical analysis combined with field sampling, laboratory studies, geochemical modeling, and interdisciplinary approaches from the fields of hydrodynamics and microbiology.

I especially am drawn to studying the coastal zone due to the fascinating and complex processes that occur in this region of great societal importance. Human populations rely on the coastal zone for recreation, transportation, and fisheries resources. Yet the coast receives most of the contaminants carried by the terrestrial water cycle, and these contaminants are potential threats to coastal ecosystems.

Photo: Dr. Linda Kalnejais at work in the lab. Not all ocean science research is done at sea.