The water quality sensor at the Barge Marina was replaced with a state-of-the-art continuous water quality sensor. The sensor is a new generation YSI multiparameter EXO3 sond for estuarine applications. This probe allows us to supplement the seasonal and expensive grab samples and observe temporal details in the water quality of the lower Hackensack. Salinity, … Read more
Sediment elevation tables (SET’s) are used to measure increases or decreases in marsh surfaces from sedimentation and shallow subsidence. This method is paired with marker horizon to explain processes behind elevation increases or decreases It provides accurate and precise measurements at an exact location with mm resolution. The technique is based on a mechanical leveling … Read more
The increases in sea level and the frequency of storm events due to climate change is having a profound effect on the water table of the tidally influenced Meadowlands district and will consequently affect the redistribution of legacy trace metal contaminants buried and immobilized in the sediments. With the support from NJWRRI (New Jersey Water … Read more
The hurricane season has kicked off at the Meadowlands, bringing a different, still just as serious threat that COVID-19 has graced us with. MRRI scientists have been equipping strategic tide gates in the Hackensack River estuary to predict flooding caused by storm surge in the 14 towns of the Hackensack Meadowlands District. MRRI has been … Read more
Improved air quality has been the silver lining of the pandemic. We see a big change in air quality as less people are driving and industrial activity is down about 60%. Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute continuously measures air quality from sensors located on the roof of 1 Dekorte Park Plaza in Lyndhurst. We observe a … Read more
As the 2020 growing season kicks in and the Meadowland marshes gear up for the spring, it’s time to deploy MRRI’s carbon flux sensors. As part of a grant agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, CD- 96284501-0) MRRI scientists measure carbon sequestration potential of three major habitats of the lower Hackensack River Estuary: mudflat, … Read more
Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute, collaborating with New Jersey Institute of Technology, Brisea Group Inc., prepared a proposal, “Mechanical removal of harmful algal bloom (HAB) in lakes using air micro-nano bubbles from a specialized floating platform” for DEP’s Water Quality Restoration Grant Program to control Harmful Algal Blooms. This proposed project has been evaluated and selected … Read more
MRRI has been experimenting with water quality sampling using drones. In a complex urban/industrial/estuarine area there are many hard to reach water bodies. The challenge is to collect a sample of at least 400 ml in an acid washed bottle using a drone. A 3D printer was used to make the bottle attachment mechanism.
On October 19, the Rutgers Earth and Environmental Science Environmental Geophysics class conducted a field survey at Harrier Meadow marsh in North Arlington, NJ. The field work included resistivity and electromagnetivity surveys over marsh vegetation to find areas with high salinity levels. These areas are priority habitat for the endangered native salt marsh Salicornia family. … Read more
This summer, MRRI flew several drone missions for the town of Rutherford through the MRRI Municipal Drone Program. These drone products were provided to the municipal officials and police department for logistical planning and security for future town events, as well as current day imagery of their recreational fields.