Andreanna Roros

Andreanna Roros is a second-year PhD student in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. Her research examines metal(loid)-bearing particulate matter generated from mining- and wildfire-impacted soils and its implications for environmental health in central Arizona communities disproportionately impacted by legacy and contemporary copper mining. Throughout her research, Andreanna employs community-based participatory research approaches, collaborating with community members to better understand environmental exposures and ensure findings are accessible, relevant, and responsive to community concerns. 

Andreanna's interest in contaminant transport developed during her undergraduate studies in geology at the University of Delaware. There, she was introduced to Superfund sites and learned that she had spent part of her childhood living near one. This motivated her to pursue research that informs communities who may be unaware of environmental risks in their own neighborhoods.

Toxic Metal(loid)s in Dust Impacting Rural Arizona Copper Mining Communities 

Rural copper-mining communities in Arizona's Pinal and Gila counties—including Hayden, Winkelman, Miami, Globe, and Superior—face disproportionate environmental health burdens from copper mining-related contamination. Residents may be exposed to airborne dust containing carcinogenic metal(loids) such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn). Climate-driven disturbances, particularly wildfires and flooding, raise additional concerns regarding the mobilization and dispersion of mining-derived contaminants into residential areas, with evidence suggesting increased exposure may elevate cancer risk among children (Alqattan et al., 2025). However, how wildfires further mobilize mining-impacted soils into airborne dust remains poorly understood. This study investigates the geochemical properties, metal(loid) concentrations, and inhalation bioaccessibility of particulate matter from mining- and wildfire-impacted soils to inform respiratory health implications for rural communities bearing the compounded burden of mining contamination and climate extremes.