Student presents research at prestigious STEM conference
Published on December 18, 2024
NORTH EAST, Md: Holly Adams, a sophomore at Cecil College, recently presented her research alongside her mentors at the prestigious Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Adams’ presentation, “Assessing the Suitability of Alternative Organic Matter Materials for Peat Replacement in Standard Artificial Soil,” focused on reducing the environmental and ecological consequences of using peat moss in regulatory testing and toxicology studies.
“Peat moss, a decayed form of vegetative matter accumulated in bogs over centuries, is a major carbon sink,” Adams explained in her presentation. “When harvested, it releases stored carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Because of this and several other ecological and economic concerns, some regions are starting to limit the use of peat. My research follows a global initiative to explore whether alternatives to peat could be used in standard artificial soil without compromising the accuracy of environmental toxicology testing.”
Adams’ research is part of her research appointment through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Engineering (ORISE) at the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, where she works as an intern in an environmental toxicology and environmental fate lab. U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), Adams’ sponsoring facility, is a technical organization for non-medical chemical and biological defense within the Department of Defense (DoD).
Adams’ research specifically examines the potential of straw and hay as replacements for peat in soil formulations. Early tests using earthworms, a standard organism for ecotoxicological testing, suggest that straw may be a viable alternative, although more research is needed, according to Adams, who is pursuing a degree in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science and is on track to graduate in May 2025 from Cecil College.
The SETAC conference provided an invaluable forum for Adams to engage with experts in the field of environmental toxicology. Her presentation sparked an enhanced exchange of ideas that expanded the conversation among attendees.
“It was incredible to speak with professionals who weren’t familiar with my research, as well as experts who helped me explore other applications for peat in ecotoxicology testing,” said Adams. “It was a fantastic learning opportunity, and I’m excited about the potential impact of this research on global environmental testing standards.”
SETAC is a global professional society that promotes studying and applying environmental toxicology and chemistry. Its annual conference brings together scientists, regulators, and policymakers from around the world to discuss cutting-edge research and emerging trends in environmental science.
Adams credits the support of her mentors and colleagues at DEVCOM CBC for their contributions to her presentation and ongoing research. “The scientists at DEVCOM CBC have been instrumental in guiding my research and helping me refine my findings,” she said.
The next steps in Adams’ research will focus on testing different organic materials in artificial soils and including other test organisms. Ultimately, her goal is to participate further in the global initiative to suggest a new, sustainable organic matter for standard artificial soils in ecotoxicology testing, in order to reduce the reliance on peat moss in the field.
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