Ecotoxicology Program
Contact: Dr. John H. Rodgers, Jr.
Email: jrodger@clemson.edu
Phone : 864-656-0492
This program focuses on a precious resource, water. We emphasize in accurate risk assessments for chemical, physical, and biological stimuli that may adversely affect water resources throughout the world. Unique among ecotoxicology programs, we also emphasize development of sustainable strategies for mitigation of risks in aquatic systems. The products of this program are students (graduates) and information (peer reviewed publications). Chemical stimuli that we are studying include pesticides such as algaecides, herbicides and insecticides, organics (e.g. oil, coal, produced waters, etc.), and inorganics (e.g. Se, Hg, As, B, Cu, chlorides, etc.). Physical stimuli include solids, sonic devices, etc. Biological stimuli include invasive species such as toxin-producing algae.
STUDENTS
Students in this program tend to be dedicated to becoming the best scientist (professional ecotoxicologist) possible and they also want to make a difference or strong positive contribution to the world and our environment. Students enter the program from disciplines such as biology, environmental sciences, and chemistry (as well as others). Students come to the program from all over the world. These students learn much from their colleagues as they learn and develop together. Students graduating from this program are sought for positions in academia, consulting, industry, government, and non-governmental organizations.
INFORMATION
The information that is produced from extramurally sponsored research is published in peer reviewed journals. Examples of recent projects and publications can be accessed through this web site. We conduct research all over the world and have projects in North and South America as well as Europe, Asia and Africa. We collaborate with colleagues at Clemson University and research facilities throughout the world.
LABORATORIES AND RESEARCH FACILITIES
Analytical Laboratory
Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory
Phytotoxicology Laboratory
Wet Laboratory for Sample Processing
Greenhouse Mesocosm Facility
2. CURRENT RESEARCH
• APPLIED BIOCHEMISTS – Innovative approaches for risk mitigation of invasive and problematic algal species.
This research involves evaluations of site-specific issues regarding control of invasive and alien algal species throughout North America. We have ongoing research on new materials and improving the efficacy of existing materials. This research also involves risk assessment and risk management for nontarget species.
3. PAST RESEARCH (Dr. Rodgers)
• ENTRIX, DUKE ENERGY AND PROGRESS ENERGY – Constructed Wetland Treatment Systems for Flue-Gas Desulfurization Waters
Research at Clemson University has led to considerable cost savings for treatment of flue gas desulfurization waters using constructed wetland treatment systems. These systems are exceptional in that they may be a long term solution for the mercury problem in fish (at least the portion caused by coal-fired power plants).
• CHEVRON – Texaco Potential for B Treatment in Constructed Wetland Treatment Systems
This research is seeking viable pathways for sequestering Boron from produced waters that may be incorporated in constructed wetland treatment systems. In the aqueous phase, Boron has the potential for significant phytotoxicity and can prohibit the reuse of treated waters for irrigation.
• CHEVRON-TEXACO & EXXON-MOBIL – Produced Water Constructed Wetland Treatment System for Chad Oil Field
We are working with Chevron-Texaco and Exxon-Mobil on designing constructed wetland treatment systems for produced waters in Chad. Water is crucial in this part of Africa and we are seeking to remove targeted constituents so the water can be reused for a variety of purposes (including irrigation).
• FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION – Crystal River Lyngbya Management Assessment
We recently started this research which involves the interaction of an invasive and alien species (Lyngbya) and endangered species (the manatee, etc.). This is a comprehensive study of Lyngbya in Kings Bay and Crystal River, FL with emphasis on accurate characterization of risks as well as development of risk mitigation strategies that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially acceptable. To accomplish this, the objectives were: 1) Lyngbya assessment, 2) Lyngbya management assessment, 3) Evaluation of potential chemical control tactics, and 4) Evaluation of other control options (physical, biologic, and mechanical).
• MONSANTO – Roundup and Amphibian Declines: An Experimental Investigation
This project involves laboratory studies of responses frogs to exposures of glyphosate formulations. We will predict and test for responses in the field locally as well as throughout North America.
• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY – Constructed Wetland Treatment Systems for Non-traditional Waters from Coal-Fired Power Plants
This research involves comprehensive evaluation of the potential of constructed wetland treatment systems to renovate nontraditional waters (ash basin waters, produced waters, flue gas desulfurization waters, and cooling waters) from coal-fired power plants for beneficial reuse. We are in the middle of this project at this time.
• CLEMSON UNIVERSITY– Parking Facilities Constructed Wetland Treatment System
This research is evaluating the potential for constructed wetland treatment systems to mitigate risks of stormwater runoff from impermeable surfaces on campus, such as parking lots. We are designing and testing pilot-scale system that should save considerable costs for implementing the full-scale system on campus.
• GAS STORAGE TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE – Pennsylvania State University Demonstration-Scale Constructed Wetland Treatment System for Gas Storage Produced Waters
This research is focused on demonstrating the utility of constructed wetland treatment systems for natural gas storage produced waters. Treatment of these waters is a serious problem in terms of costs that prohibits continued use of some sites and expansion into other site.
4. PEOPLE
Supervisor/Professor: Dr. John Rodgers, Jr.
John Rodgers is a professor of environmental toxicology in the department of forestry and natural resources at Clemson University, SC and he is co-director of the Clemson Environmental Institute. He has worked on water resources for thirty years.
PhD Students:
Brenda Johnson
Brenda received a B.S. (2000) in environmental science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and a M.S. (2006) in environmental toxicology from Clemson University. Her masters thesis involved design of constructed wetland treatment systems for produced water. She started her PhD program with Dr. Rodgers in the Spring of 2007. Her dissertation research will focus on risk characterization and mitigating impacts of nuisance algal species.
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