He studied Chemistry as an undergraduate at MIT and has a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Columbia University. For the past twenty years he has conducted research on various aspects of contaminant geochemistry in the Hudson River, its tributaries, and other natural waters of the Hudson Basin. His research group at RPI uses analysis of dated sediment cores to study the sources and distribution of PCBs, pesticides, dioxins, PAHs, and trace metals. They also study atmospheric deposition of contaminants, and in situ dechlorination of PCBs. Prof. Bopp has been directly involved in several major contaminant issues including the PCB problem in the Hudson, dioxins in Newark Bay, and disposal of contaminated dredge spoils.