From Arsenic Exposure to Biological Response
The resources highlighted below were developed for a workshop series designed for teachers in NC counties where arsenic levels in private wells have been found to exceed drinking water standards.
Arsenic in Ground Water
Slides
Arsenic: A Global Issue
Dami Adebambo, PhD Candidate, UNC Superfund Research Program, NC State University
What is Superfund?
UNC Superfund Research Program
Groundwater in North Carolina Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Amy Keyworth, Hydrogeologist, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Introduction to Bioavailability of Arsenic
UNC Superfund Research Program
Activities
Investigating a Superfund Site
(note: instructions are for investigating any site in the southeast region of state. Use list of NPL sites below for specific sites contaminated with arsenic in the U.S.)
Understanding ppm and ppb with Serial Dilution
Links to NPL Sites discussed during the workshop
Aberdeen Pesticide Dumps, NC
Barber Orchard, NC
Dewey Humboldt Smelter and Iron King Mine, AZ
Cape Fear Wood Preserving, NC
Martin Aaron, NJ
Gurley Pesticide Burial, NC
South Minneapolis Residential Soil Contamination, MN
Anaconda Copper Mine and Smelter, MT
Horton Iron and Metal, NC
Vineland Chemical Company, NJ
Arsenic Trioxide, ND
Commencement Bay, Nearshore/Tideflats, WA
California Gulch, CO
Video: In Small Doses: Arsenic
Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program
Groundwater Model Sources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Groundwater Model Project
University of Nebraska Groundwater Flow Models
enVision Environmental Education (the 3000 model is the one that UNC SRP uses)
Other Well Water and Arsenic Resources
- Arsenic ToxFAQ (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)
Answers to frequently asked health questions about arsenic - Arsenic in Drinking Water (US EPA)
Information on regulations regarding maximum contaminant levels allowed on arsenic in drinking water - Arsenic and You (Dartmouth Toxic Metals Superfund Research Program)
Information on Arsenic in Food, Water & Other Sources - Informing Private Well Owners (UNC Superfund Research Program)
Maps of contaminant levels by county, learn how to test your well and read your results, information on groundwater movement - Protect Yourself for Arsenic in Well Water (NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health/UNC Superfund Research Program)
Fact sheet for North Carolina residents - Arsenic Resources (Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program)
History of arsenic, information on arsenic in food and water - Superfund: Cleaning Up the Nation’s Hazardous Waste Sites (US EPA)
Information on the history of the Superfund program, process by which sites are identified and listed, links to NPL sites - Haz-Ed: Classroom Activities for Understanding Hazardous Waste (US EPA)
K-12 activities for classroom teachers on a variety of hazardous waste related topics - A Citizen’s Guide to Clean-Up Technologies (US EPA)
A series of fact sheets in plain language about the various options available to clean-up hazardous waste. - The Apple Bites Back: Claiming Old Orchards for Residential Development (Environmental Health Perspectives, National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, 2006)
Profiles Barber Orchard NPL Site in NC
Understanding Biological Response to Arsenic Exposure
DNA & Epigenetics Resources
Includes all lessons featured in the workshop, accompanying slide sets, video and other resources.
Slides
How To Read a Journal Article | Elizabeth Martin, UNC Superfund Research Program
Data Analysis Activities: Prenatal Arsenic Exposure and Altered Gene Expression | Jessica Laine and Elizabeth Martin
Assessing Biological Responses to Contaminants: An Introduction to Epigenetics & the Exposome | UNC Superfund Research Program
Workshop Descriptions
Understanding How Contaminants Move Through the Environment and Enter the Biosphere
Learn about groundwater-surface water interactions and how groundwater movement impacts potential sources of contamination with emphasis on a UNC research project where scientists assessed groundwater quality using private well data in NC, with startling results. Teachers will examine trends in well water datasets and learn about private wells as a source of exposure to contaminants. Teachers will also explore how contaminants can enter the biosphere while learning about a second research project that measures the bioavailability of contaminants in water, sediment, and soil. Geared toward earth & environmental science and biology teachers.
Assessing Biological Responses to Contaminants | An Introduction to the Exposome and Epigenetics
Learn about a UNC scientist who is assessing biological responses to contaminant exposure while also learning about the emerging science around the exposome and epigenetics! Teachers will delve into a research project where scientists are identifying epigenetic changes (specifically DNA methylation) that take place in utero in response to exposure to heavy metals, a specific class of environmental contaminants, and investigating the functional consequences of these changes in gene expression. Geared toward AP Biology teachers and those who teach advanced biology learners; prior knowledge of DNA structure and function is recommended.