WATER: ENGAGING STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY ON GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER SOURCES AND ISSUES USING CURRENT EVENTS IN EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

Perfluorinated (PFAS) compounds, nutrient loading from concentrated animal operations (CAFOs), microcystins, drought, 500-year flood events (hurricanes Florence and Matthew), shellfish closures, coal ash, cones of depression and ascension, aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), saltwater intrusion, and more are associated with water sources and quality in eastern NC. Studies of these topics provide an integrative approach (class investigations and field assessments) to engage classes and the community about multiple aspects of science, not just water, while also illustrating the societal and economic considerations of our natural resources. PFAS, CAFOs, and ASR issues are utilized to illustrate study methodologies and engagement.