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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

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

Epigenetics Quotes

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.