McGinnis and three research students began studying the river on May 21 as a summer research project.

The year-long study will identify and characterize plasticizers, such as phthalates from the Quinnipiac River, with particular attention to the stretch of the river that runs from Wallingford to North Haven.

“I’m extremely grateful to the Quinnipiac River Fund for supporting us again,” she said. “This work is essential to ensure the health of our rivers through the monitoring of our industrial discharge.”

This is the eighth consecutive year the university has received the grant.

The project focuses on the environmental impact of organic chemical contaminants in the Quinnipiac watershed and will benefit the people who access the Quinnipiac River for the purposes of recreation and fishing.