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PSI researcher Andy James is Co-PI on two projects mentioned in a recent story from KUOW. James is part of a Puget Sound Partnership-funded study prioritizing some 350,000 chemical compounds related to their potential impact on organisms in the environment. James and Co-PI Ruth Sofield of Western Washington University are focusing on marine species, including southern resident killer whales. Their study will eventually extend to human health impacts. James is also working with Jennifer McIntyre (Washington State University), Suzanne Ball (formerly of Washington State University and now a consultant), and Jim Meador (NOAA retired) on a King County-sponsored study to understand the chemical constituents in wastewater effluent. The group will perform a laboratory exposure study to understand the physiological impacts of wastewater on juvenile Chinook.

A report from the Puget Sound Institute examines potential impacts from human sources on summer stream flows. The study found little impact from impervious cover but heightened concerns over climate change. As climate change worsens, the report’s authors say, it could further amplify natural stream flow fluctuations not currently accounted for in climate change projections. “Uncertainties about future trends in low flows may have been underestimated,” the report reads. Co-authors include Nick Georgiadis and Kevin Bogue of PSI and Curtis DeGasperi of King County.