You have entered the website of the Water and Environmental Research Institute of the Western Pacific (WERI) at the University of Guam. We are currently six faculty and five staff and our mission is to seek solutions through research, teaching and outreach programs, to issues and problems associated with the location, production, distribution and management of freshwater resources in Guam, the CNMI and the FSM.
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Gary Denton, Ph.D Prof. Environmental Toxicology Phone: 671-735-2690 (fax 734-8890) (GMT+10 hrs) gdenton(weriguam)uguam.uog.edu?subject=Faculty - WeriGuam.org |
Contaminant Assessment of Sediments in Tanapag Lagoon, Saipan
Completed in 2001, this project mapped heavy metal, PCB and PAH profiles in surface sediments from Tanapag Lagoon on the western shore of central Saipan (see WERI Technical Report No. 93). This large lagoon is heavily impacted by the activities of man including a major seaport and bulk fuel facility, a power station, two small boat marinas, sewer outfall, and a municipal dump. The area is also heavily inundated by stormwater runoff during prolonged periods of wet weather. Areas of contaminant enrichment were identified around the port, marinas and dump. (Funding source: US Geological Survey)
Nutrient Status of Tumon Bay in Relation to Intertidal Blooms of the Filamentous Green Alga, Enteromorpha clathrata
Completed in 2001, this project examined dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and reactive phosphorus (RP) levels in groundwater seeps and springs entering Tumon Bay, Guam's premier tourist location (see WERI Technical Report No. 110). The primary objective of this research was to identify the potential role hotel landscaping activities played in promoting the extensive blooms of Enteromorpha clathrata found along the beach. Overall, RP levels in seeps and springs within the bay were found to be marginally higher than aquifer samples taken further inland. Threshold levels of DIN required to promote algal blooms immediately offshore were generally present in oversupply while RP levels were frequently limiting. The research highlighted the dramatic effect relatively small anthropogenic inputs of RP could have on the distribution and abundance of E. clathrata within the bay. (Funding source: US Geological Survey)
Mobilization of Aqueous Contaminants Leached from Ordot Landfill in Surface and Subsurface Flows
Completed in 2003, this project determined the chemical and biological characteristics of leachate emanating from Ordot Landfill in central Guam and their potential impact on water surface water resources in the area. This landfill has been in continuous use for over 50 years and has no leachate retention system in place. It was slated for closure almost 30 years ago and has been operating at over capacity for at least ten. Identified contaminants of concern in leachate sample collected from around the periphery of the landfill included fecal indicator bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus and several heavy metals (see WERI Technical Report No. 108). Surface and subsurface waters down gradient of the landfill were monitored periodically for these contaminants over one year. (Funding source: US Geological Survey)
Impact of Metal Enriched Leachate from Ordot Dump on the Heavy Metal Status of Biotic and Abiotic Components in Pago Bay
Completed in 2006, this project examined the heavy metal status of sediments and bioindicator organisms (algae, seagrass, seacucumbers and bivalve mollusks) from Pago Bay previously considered the final resting place of aqueous contaminants flushed out of the Ordot Landfill into the Lonfit-Pago River system. The results of this investigation clearly showed otherwise (see WERI Technical Report No. 113). (Funding source: US Geological Survey)
