Research

The impact of dissolved organic matter (DOM) structure on phototransformation pathways of organochlorine contaminants.

Chlorinated organic contaminants often enter waterbodies through accidental spills or municipal wastewater effluents. Surface water in streams, rivers, and lakes contains diverse dissolved organic matter (DOM), a complex mixture of molecules from plant material and microorganisms. The structure of DOM strongly depends on the source of origin. When exposed to sunlight, these chlorinated contaminants interact with the dissolved organic matter and sunlight, breaking down into daughter products. The daughter products may be different depending on the DOM type.

In this research direction, we study the mechanism of the degradation of organic contaminants in simulated laboratory experiments using the light source in the UVA-visible wavelength region.

Monitoring the phototransformation of organic micropollutants in surface waters

Increased anthropogenic impact affects the water quality in lakes surrounded by agriculture, industry, or other sources of contamination. When contaminants like pesticides and pharmaceuticals are released into aquatic environments, they react under sunlight or other factors to form new products.

These products often have different properties and can be more toxic or persistent in the environment. This research project, that was supported by EPA, develops a method for monitoring these transformation processes.

We deploy passive samplers, devices for capturing the contaminants, in the water and evaluate the contaminants profile and concentrations over space and time.

Understanding the drivers of contaminant mixture toxicity in surface water.

When organic contaminants are released into the aquatic environment, they transform into a mixture of daughter products. These daughter products can be more toxic to the ecosystem and human health. The chemical composition and characteristics of natural water can influence the formation of these products.

In this research direction, we study how water chemical characteristics, such as pH, composition, and concentration of dissolved organic matter (DOM), impact the toxicological profile of the degradation products. Our goal is to identify the factors driving the formation of higher toxicity products in surface water.

This interdisciplinary and highly collaborative research combines environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, and machine learning approaches.

Our collaborators

We are a highly collaborative group, always seeking partnerships to enhance our understanding of the fate of environmental contaminants and their impact on ecosystems and human health.

Funded Research