“We are thrilled to have received this grant and to be able to contribute to the monitoring of such an important water source,” McGinnis said.

The research project entails collecting water samples from locations in Wallingford, Hamden and North Haven. McGinnis and a team of students will analyze the samples via gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) for the presence of pesticides, phthalates or plasticizers and other water quality parameters.

The water quality monitoring needs were determined through consideration of past study results and the classification of the Quinnipiac River as an impaired water body, she said.

McGinnis has worked with 12 different students on this project throughout the past eight years. These grants have supported 16 research students, many of whom have gone on to graduate programs.