Research Several studies regarding the biological effects of pollutants are ongoing. Impacts of naturally occurring organic material on pesticide availability and toxicity are being examined via microbial and crustacean-based assays, permitting rapid assessment without harming higher animals. Recent investigative work examining contaminants in finfish, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, has shown that fish from the Roanoke and Dan Rivers contain elevated concentrations of PCBs. Fish consumption advisories have subsequently been issued to protect human health. Unlike many of the chlorinated contaminants of concern, BDE usage is increasing.
Efforts are underway to determine their sources, fate and bioavailability.
We have detected a number of organic contaminants in biosolid products. Work is on-going to examine the types, behavior and environmental consequences of these contaminants. Also being examined, along with Dr. Fu-Lin Chu, is how pollutants affect disease susceptibility of oysters. Oysters were formerly plentiful in the Chesapeake Bay, but have been decimated by disease in recent years. Collaboration between Chu's and Hale's laboratories has shown that exposure to water and sediment-associated pollutants increases disease susceptibility.