[Activities and Research in Mexcio][Argentina][M.I.R.T. home][Application]
MIRT Team Project ( 1 graduate student, 3 undergraduates) Pesticide, Herbicide and Heavy Metal Levels in Top Predator and Prey species of the Colorado River Delta and Northern Gulf of California
The biological samples and non-biological samples obtained during the
twice annual cruises into the northern Gulf of California will be returned
to Guaymas for extensive chemical analysis for a variety of common agricultural
and industrial pesticides and herbicides. We are especially interested in
the relative proportion of these compounds used primarily or exclusively
in either the US and Mexico in assessing 1) the potential health impact
on the human population of both the US and Mexico and 2) to estimate the
consequences of the agricultural policies of both countries on the finally
disposition of these chemicals in the food web. MIRT students must receive
training in both sophisticated field and laboratory methods. The laboratory
facilities at Guaymas are first rate and are specifically designed to monitor
organic compounds used in industry and agriculture as well as many inorganic
materials commonly found in industrialized countries, including Mercury,
Lead , Chromium and related compounds.