After just starting its fourth year, the CREST Center for Aquatic Chemistry and Environment (CAChE) has been awarded its third research funding supplement to look at urban water quality management.
From mangroves in the Everglades to estuaries and coral reefs, researchers in CREST CAChE have been measuring levels of contaminants in these aquatic ecosystems and furthering its impact by partnering with the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and LTER programs.
With this new funding, researchers will focus on urban aquatic ecosystems and work with local museums and municipal partners, including the Frost Science Museum , the Coral Gables Museum and Miami-Dade County commissioners, to create public outreach interest.
“By doing water quality in an urban setting and making data available to public audiences, we can help with community education and get people to understand why water quality matters and what causes contaminant issues,” said Dr. Todd Crowl, director of the Institute of Water and Environment.
The team will work throughout the Miami River and the canal system of Coral Gables to engage the community by bringing school kids along to teach them how to understand water quality.
Learn more about the Center’s previous research supplements here.
