News

The New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (NJSEA) has upgraded the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) system to the latest technology for the Meadowlands Research & Restoration Institute (MRRI) laboratory. From July 8-10, 2024, a field engineer from Agilent Technologies installed the new Agilent 7850 ICP-MS and provided training on this state-of-the-art instrument and … Read more

A recent study funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) aims to understand mineral formation in the oxygen-depleted sediments of the Hackensack estuary. The recently approved NSF proposal (worth $551,795) focuses on the concept of “reverse weathering”, which involves the creation of clay minerals from eroded terrestrial minerals in marine sediments. This research has significant … Read more

The 2023 water quality data collected in the Meadowlands Lower Hackensack Estuary has been checked with QA/QC procedures and shared with US EPA through national Water Quality Exchange (WQX). The Meadowlands Research & Restoration Institute (MRRI) has been sharing water quality data collected within the District since 2016. The water quality monitoring project was established … Read more

The Environmental Protection Agency is relying on MRRI and a two-year grant to determine how contaminants move between the marshes and main stem of the river at selected microbasins in the lower Hackensack River. The study aims to understand the direction and amount of sediment movement under typical tidal conditions. At each drainage point, suspended … Read more

On May 29th, four seniors from Bergen County Academies (BCA) – Miriam Inba, Arda Sensoz, Julianna Nunez, and Shlok Jhaveri – concluded their 2024 Senior Experience Internship at MRRI. Throughout the school year, these interns joined the professional staff at MRRI every Wednesday, gaining hands-on experience in GIS mapping techniques, laboratory procedures, and field safety. … Read more

MRRI Senior GIS Specialist, Brian Wlodawski received first prize at the NJDEP 36th Annual Map Contest for the Reference Map category. His winning entry, utilizing FEMA’s flood map, effectively highlighted flood risk areas in the Meadowlands district while emphasizing community vulnerabilities and land use complexities. There were 39 maps submitted and nearly 150 attendees.

Students enrolled in an environmental science class at Rutgers University Newark, led by Professor Adam Kuska, visited the Meadowlands to explore environmental monitoring of water quality in the lower Hackensack River. The students analyzed measurements of dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, salinity, and temperature during their visit. These hands-on experiences allow environmental science students to apply … Read more

MRRI staff is building a boardwalk in Losen Slote Park to provide better access to park goers throughout the year, and to protect vernal pool habitat.