The long-lasting impact of environmental pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continues to threaten ecosystems and public health around the world.  These toxic chemicals, once widely used in industrial applications, are nearly impossible to eliminate due to their persistence in the environment, leading to severe consequences for both the natural world and the communities surrounding. Despite cleanup efforts, PCBs environmental impact remains a significant challenge to many communities.  Alexis Slade, a PhD candidate in civil and environmental engineering, is at the forefront of this critical work. 

Slade’s research focuses on Portland Harbor, Oregon, where decades of industrial activity left a legacy of PCB contamination. Between the 1960s and 1970s, PCBs were used in ship-building materials and other industrial processes, leaving behind widespread pollution that still affects the harbor’s soil, water, and air. The Portland Harbor Community Coalition, a nonprofit organization leading cleanup efforts, reached out to the Iowa Superfund Research Program (ISRP) to answer a critical question: How much PCB remains in the environment, and how much is being emitted into the community? The ISRP, guided by Keri Hornbuckle, civil and environmental engineering professor and IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) research engineer, works to address public health problems associated with airborne PCBs, making them the perfect research team to take on this pressing question.  

Slade and the ISRP team worked closely with the community, collecting environmental samples and assessing ongoing remediation efforts. A key takeaway from the project, according to Slade, is the importance of community engagement in scientific research. “This project really brought out that, especially within the STEM field, there needs to be more literature on the process of community engagement,” says Slade. “It’s a sustainable tool for both the community and research institutions.” Through their work, Slade’s team supported the community in accessing grants and connected them with additional research opportunities to better understand PCB contamination. 

Despite years of cleanup efforts, the challenge of eliminating PCBs remains. “PCBs are forever chemicals,” says Slade. “While we may never get rid of them entirely, we can reduce exposure and minimize harm.” However, the cleanup process itself can stir up more PCBs, complicating the issue and requiring careful, methodical approaches to remediation. Looking ahead, Slade is focused on continuing to support communities in cleanup efforts. She plans to work with government agencies or environmental organizations to ensure proper disposal and promote policies that protect communities from future contamination. “The more we talk about these issues, the more interest and questions we get from communities about their own contamination problems,” says Slade. 

Slade is grateful for the collaborative environment at IIHR that has fostered her research success. “One of the best things about IIHR is the diversity of expertise we have. Whether it’s water, air, toxicology, or something else, there’s always someone to turn to for answers,” says Slade. 

Slade’s work goes beyond research; it’s about building relationships with the community. Through informal events like a picnic and a canoe trip through the harbor, Slade and her team connected personally with residents, explained their findings, and answered questions. These experiences solidified her belief in the power of community-based research. By fostering strong relationships between researchers and local residents, Slade’s work continues to empower communities to advocate for their own health and environmental future. As cleanup efforts persist and new policies take shape, Slade remains committed to supporting science-driven solutions that mitigate the lasting impact of industrial pollution on vulnerable communities.