Contaminant Fate Workgroup
The Contaminant Fate Workgroup (CFWG) occupies the niche between the Sources, Pathways, and Loadings Workgroup (SPLWG), concerned with identifying and quantifying contaminant inputs to the estuary, and the Exposure and Effects Workgroup (EEWG), concerned with their exposure and ultimate effects on (primarily higher trophic level) biota in the ecosystem. The objective of the CFWG is to improve our understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes that redistribute and transform contaminants in the estuary, ultimately leading to exposure of biota. Although reducing new sources and loadings of contaminants to the estuary is important, processes such as the erosion, resuspension, and deposition of contaminants from the legacy of pollution in the estuary will affect the health of the ecosystem for decades to come. Through improved information on estuary processes, we aim to assist managers in directing limited resources and prioritizing actions for reducing negative impacts, both for new contaminants entering the system as well as for legacy pollutants already in the estuary. Key components towards achieving these goals include reviewing the scientific literature, summarizing the state of our current knowledge, and using quantitative conceptual models to identify and prioritize areas in which improved information would most assist in making decisions and/or setting goals for ecosystem recovery. Workgroup members peer review these products, providing comments and recommendations based on their expertise in the estuary and other ecosystems. Once data gaps are identified, the CFWG works with other regional stakeholders such as the CEP towards developing or encouraging approaches to best collect the needed information.
The scientific advisory panel consists of internationally known experts in this field including Dr. Joel Baker (University of Washington), Dr. Dave Krabbenhoft (USGS - Wisconsin Water Science Center), Dr. Keith Stolzenbach (University of California – Los Angeles) and Dr. Frank Gobas (Simon Fraser University).
Workgroup Lead: Don Yee
