Evolution of Philosophy and Tools.

Division S11, Soils and Environmental Quality has traditionally focused on behavior of contaminants in soil/plant systems. When Sally Brown first started graduate school in 1990, much of the research revolved around shake and filter extracts.  Bioavailability was measured largely by metal content of plant tissue.  Since that time, our knowledge of bioavailability and ecosystem function has become much broader.  For Dr. Brown, this understanding of ecosystem function has resulted in a shift in research to the Environmental Quality aspects of S-11.  Now, instead of researching metal bioavailability in residuals, she works using residuals to enhance environmental quality.  Tom DeSutter, who started graduate school in 1994, has also focused on shake and filter extracts for his research.  Although bioavailability can be determined through these approaches, DeSutter has taken an interest in how to asses bioavailability (plants, macro- micro-fauna) through the use of bio- and nano-sensors. A broader understanding of bioavailability through this nuanced approach may lead to a deeper and hopefully fuller assessment of environmental quality.