Chemical Processes in Aquatic Systems

Project by

Brandy Toner
Senior Fellow 2025–2026

In this project, Brandy Toner plans to study natural organic matter and pollutants in aquatic systems, including micro- and nano-plastics.

A long-standing aspect of her research focuses on the speciation and transport of iron in the deep ocean. Several years ago, her deep-sea samples began showing unusual chemical signatures, and it now appears that nano-plastics are present in the deep waters of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Brandy is interested in advancing her understanding of mass spectrometry techniques for the diagnostic analysis of nano-plastics. She is also eager to learn and practice new communication strategies for conveying environmental stories to undergraduate students and the public—particularly those environmental issues that require collective action, rather than changes in individual lifestyle choices alone.