Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Sciences (CAARES)

Addressing Complex Environmental Challenges

The Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science (CAARES) at Clarkson University is a state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation facility capable of performing trace level organic contaminant analyses. 

The facility houses numerous chromatography-mass spectrometry-based instrumentation capable of analyzing both polar and non-polar organic contaminants CAARES has modernized legacy pollutant measurements by developing efficient sample processing and analysis procedures.  

CAARES has also developed non-targeted analysis (NTA) techniques with the use of state-of-the-art systems such as GCxGC-HRMS as well as the development of in-house data mining software tools. CAARES is also a leader in the analysis of PFAS and is a DoD-ELAP and New York State certified laboratory for EPA Method 1633. CAARES operates as a core facility providing research support for both internal and external researchers.

Current and Recent Research

Great Lakes Fish Monitoring and Surveillance Program

This program is the revision of a program started in the 1970’s with the objective of monitoring fish contaminants in the Great Lakes. In this program, the sampling has been simplified, and additional emphasis has been placed on identifying emerging contaminants that may pose a risk to the Great Lakes. Clarkson has operated this program since 2005, and we have modernized legacy pollutant measurements by developing efficient sample processing and analysis procedures. Some of the legacy pollutants analyzed include PCBs, PBDEs, and dioxins/furans whereas emerging contaminants include PFAS, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and chlorinated paraffins (Cl-Pars). CAARES has also developed non-targeted analysis (NTA) techniques to further enhance the program with the use of state-of-the-art systems such as GCxGC-HRMS as well as the development of in-house high-resolution MS data mining software tools. We have also enhanced the program by developing working relationships with laboratories from other federal agencies, states and countries.

Toxic Chemical Signatures in Eastern National Parks Sports Fish

The National Parks represent some of the most pristine and protected landscapes in the     United States; however, they are not immune to the impacts of anthropogenic contaminants. CAARES has been collaborating with the National Park Service to assess the occurrence and impacts of both legacy contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides, emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and novel contaminants in sport fish from Eastern National Parks.

Factors influencing PFAS bioaccumulation and biomagnification in marine food webs associated with AFFF sources in a New England estuary

 CAARES has been collaborating with researchers from Dartmouth college to investigate the pattern and profiles of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bioaccumulated in lower trophic level marine organisms and transferred to higher trophic levels in marine food webs and to determine toxicity of less studied PFAS compounds.

Center of Excellence for Healthy Water Solutions

In collaboration with researchers from Clarkson University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), CAARES continues to provide analytical support for monitoring environmental contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microcystins. These efforts focus on monitoring contaminants on water bodies, biota, and avian species, helping to better understand contaminant transport, environmental fate, and potential ecological risks.

1,4-Dioxane in Consumer Products

CAARES has been working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) for several years to analyze 1,4-dioxane, a potential human carcinogen, in a variety of consumer products. This work supports regulatory efforts to identify sources of exposure, evaluate compliance with state regulations, and protect public health by reducing the presence of this contaminant in products used by consumers.

CAARES supplies analytical services to a variety of customers including faculty from Clarkson, faculty from other universities, environmental consulting firms and start-up companies.