Research spotlight on...Christopher Salice

By Megan Bradshaw on July 5, 2016

What’s in our environment…and is it harmful? That’s what Towson University Environment Science and Studies program director Christopher Salice would like to know.

He is the principal investigator on a $1.2 million project from the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program. TU is working with Texas Tech University, Oregon State University and CH2MHill to generate wildlife toxicity data and ecological risk assessment tools to inform the management of a class of emerging environmental contaminants known as PFASs or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.

“These chemicals were used extensively for fire training exercises and to put out fires mostly at Air Force bases,” said Salice. “PFASs are somewhat soluble and some are very persistent, which is why, through time, they can find their way to groundwater and can then represent a risk to wildlife (and humans). The goal of the research project is to develop data regarding the effects of these chemicals on wildlife (fish, birds, reptiles) and quantitative tools to prioritize chemicals to focus on for further analysis and potential remediation.” 

One of the chemicals Salice’s team is investigating, PFOS, has been in the news around the world recently. Many individuals are asking a similar question to Salice – what effects are these toxins having on us? 

“As with many environmental issues, as a society we are most able to make sound decisions when we are well informed,” noted Salice. “This research will provide much-needed information and tools that will allow us to ideally optimize management and regulation of PFAS-contaminated sites.” 

“The ultimate goal is to ensure that ecosystems and humans are protected from the potential negative effects of chemicals realizing; however, that we will never be able to remove 100 percent of the contamination. “ 

Salice’s present research builds off a project he conducted with the United States Air Force on PFAS chemicals. The next phase of his current project is to conduct more extensive laboratory and field studies on wildlife living in close proximity to habitats contaminated with PFASs. Work conducted with the Air Force found PFAS concentrations in fish tissues that exceed many provisional health advisory levels.

Less is known, however, about how these contaminants move in the terrestrial environment and exactly how terrestrial organisms might be exposed. Additionally, the quantitative tools Salice’s team is developing may be applicable to other types of contaminants but will need further testing and vetting before they might become generalizable across chemicals and contaminated sites.