Environmental Crisis at the Salton Sea

The Salton Sea is a large inland, saline water body in the desert of southern California that lies at the nexus of environmental justice, water security, public health, energy potential, and ecological stress. The Environmental Health Geochemistry group collaborates with community and research partners to better understand how science and action can co-occur to improve environmental health conditions for communities at the Salton Sea.

Future Dust: Exposed Playa and its Implications for Trace Element Bioaccessibility and Human Health Risk

Current MSc (Environmental Science) graduate student Jojo Jaegar is using synthetic bodily fluids to determine if trace elements like arsenic, selenium, chromium, and manganese are readily released from exposed playa sediments. This important project will help determine chemical risks associated with exposure to playa sediment as the Sea recedes.

Can an Environmental Justice Lens in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Lead to Improved Community Outcomes at the Salton Sea? A Policy Analysis

Recent Environmental Studies student, Dillon Pao, has taken his senior capstone project to new levels with the detailed analysis of 20+ years of policy documents written to include the Salton Sea. His findings indicate a number of interesting trends, like the water sector dominating policy in the early 2000s when major water allocation regulations went into effect, to the more recent increase in energy sector interest detailing the potential for lithium extraction at the Sea. We’re finding that a true synergy between all three sectors must include the public health issues experienced by the local community if policy benefits are truly to be equitable for all.

How Salty is the Salton Sea and Why Do We Care?

Recent Marine Ecology student, Martina Beam, worked on samples we collected with our community science collaborators from the Salton Sea region. Measuring salinity in water that is twice as salty as the ocean presents unique chemistry. Martina used several analytical methods to determine the most accurate way to measure salinity. In Fall 2024, Dr. O’Shea will partner with Allianza non-profit organization to empower students from Desert Mirage High School to understand the salinity of the Salton Sea and how they can measure and advocate as the Sea recedes and salinity increases, leading to fish and bird kills.