By Cecelia Rowe, DWFI Multimedia and Communications Intern
Jennah Duncan, research lab manager at the Water Sciences Lab at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, recently gave us a Behind the Science look at the work that goes on there. The lab’s day-to-day operations play a crucial role in advancing water research both in the state of Nebraska and around the world. By testing water samples to identify contaminants and their origins, it generates data that helps support agriculture, natural resources, human health and the environment.
Equipment
One of the most important functions of the Water Sciences Lab is to analyze water samples while using specialized instruments. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) machine is used to measure different contaminants like PFAS, herbicides, insecticides and glyphosate. There is also a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) system that helps with the detection of herbicides and pesticides in water.
Technologists and interns work together to prepare samples for analysis before they are tested. Once testing is complete, staff carefully review the data to make sure it is accurate before it is shared with the client. This experience provides a fantastic hands-on opportunity for students to work with professionals in their potential future career field. It also builds confidence in the data, which supports research across Nebraska and the world.
Why is the measurement of water quality so important? And implications
The quality is critical to human health, agriculture and the environment. The Water Sciences Lab identifies water contaminants and quality concerns, often before they become a larger problem for the communities, producers and ecosystems.
One particular concern in Nebraska is excess nitrate in drinking water. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient present in many forms and is also applied as a fertilizer to crops like corn. While these plants take up the nutrients they need, any remaining nitrogen can convert into nitrate, which can enter groundwater and drinking water supplies. Scientists have linked high nitrate levels in drinking water to Blue Baby Syndrome in infants and other adverse human health impacts. The Water Sciences Lab monitors these nitrate levels, along with other quality issues like hardness, heavy metals and other contaminants to continue to protect public health and natural resources.
Current research projects
The Water Sciences Lab is supporting a variety of projects addressing water quality across Nebraska. Some projects highlighted by Jennah are a project with the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (UBBNRD) and the Know Your Well program.
The UBBNRD project is analyzing soil samples collected from the vadose zone, the area between the land surface and the groundwater table. Researchers are testing these samples for nitrate and ammonia to get a better understanding of how these nutrients are moving throughout the soil and their potential impact on groundwater quality.
Jennah is very passionate about the Know Your Well project, an outreach program for Nebraska high schools across the state. Through this program, students gather and collect water samples from local wells in their communities and submit them to the lab for testing at no cost. The Water Sciences Lab analyzes these samples and gives the results to the students, providing an opportunity to look at real water quality data, a deeper understanding of how a lab works and the collection, data and science behind each water sample.
Supporting water and food security
At the Water Sciences Lab, Jennah works with researchers and communities to provide access to reliable water information. By analyzing and interpreting sample results, she is turning complex scientific data into support and knowledge for those looking to protect freshwater, whether it be for agriculture, drinking water, ecosystem health or other uses.
The work done at the Water Sciences Lab plays an important role in supporting water and food security for all. With the testing of water and soil samples for different contaminants, researchers are helping to ensure water is safe for human consumption, agriculture and ecosystems.