By Brittany Feldott

Over the last decade, local groups have been working to reduce nitrogen loading in estuaries by exploring innovative treatment solutions for polluted groundwater. This fall, University of Chicago student Jonathan Pekarek took a new approach to the issue, turning his attention towards Falmouth’s streams.

Working with mentor Kenneth H. Foreman at Marine Biological Laboratory, Mr. Pekarek investigated whether permeable reactive barriers—an emerging denitrification technology—could be used to successfully remove nitrogen from streams and rivers. The project produced promising results, which Mr. Pekarek presented to members of the Falmouth Water Quality Management Committee on Thursday, December 15.  Read more …