SEAL Team

Research Interest:

Publications: 

Fun facts:

Awards:

1. 2025 NSF GRFP

Fun Facts: 

Awards:

1. 2024 NSF GRFP

Fun Facts: 

She is a native Hawaiian.

Research Interest:

Irena is interested in understanding the fate and transport of emerging pollutants and their toxicity in agricultural and aquatic environments. 

Publication(s):

1. Downs SM, Fox EL, Mutuku V, Muindi Z, Fatima T, Pavlovic I, Husain S, Sabbahi M, Kimenju S, Ahmed S. Food Environments and Their Influence on Food Choices: A Case Study in Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Nutrients. 2022 Jun 21;14(13):2571. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132571. 

Fun Facts: 

Irena is a certified PADI scuba diver and has dove in 5 continents. She also enjoys hiking and cooking in her spare time.

Research Interest:

Analyzing heavy metals in soils from the Eaton and Palisades fires

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

Alexis was a barista for three years during her undergraduate!

Research Interest:

Understanding heavy metals in wildfire-impacted soil 

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

Aisiri loves to sing! 

Research Interest:

Understanding chromium levels in soil before and after wildfire

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

Myra loves to try different matcha places in LA!

Research Interest:

Understanding how stormwater can be managed and reused for climate resiliency

Publication(s):

Fun Facts: 

Angela has been highlining in Yosemite and enjoys hiking and camping on the weekends!

Research Interest:

Understanding microplastic distribution in stormwater BMP sites in the Los Angeles area

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

Vasilisa's favorite artist is the Crane Wives!

Research Interest:

Understanding the relationship between cationic polymer PolyDDA and PFAS

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

Alex loves to road trip and explore CA towns outside the Sacramento area with his brother!

Research Interest:

PFAS and plastic distribution and co-occurrence in Stormwater BMP sites in Los Angeles 

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

Lily is Outreach Chair of UCLA Club Swimming (and she thinks you should join)!

Research Interest:

Analyzing microplastic movement and resuspension in a controlled laboratory experiment

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

Nina is originally from Indonesia! 

Research Interest:

Analyzing heavy metals in soils from the Eaton and Palisades fires

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

Nouh worked as a cook! He is the best chef of the SEA Lab

Research Interest:

Understanding chromium levels in soil before and after wildfire

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

Claire loves to run in her free time and is involved in UC Davis's club running team!

Research Interest:

Environmental microbiology, biodegradation of groundwater contaminants, microbial-nanomaterial interactions, nanotoxicology, applications of molecular biological and isotopic tools in environmental engineering.

Project:

Principal Investigator, Evaluation of PFAS Retardation and Treatment Processes. Department of Defense/ GSI Environmental, Inc. /Navy (Naval Fac. Eng. Command).

Collaborative Publications:

1. Borthakur, A., Das, T.K., Zhanga, Y., Libbert, S., Prehn, S., Ramos, P., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Rechargeable stormwater biofilters: In situ regeneration of PFAS removal capacity by using a cationic polymer, Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride. Journal of Cleaner Production. 134244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134244.

2. Ramos, P., Kalra, S.S, Johnson, N.W., Khor, C.M, Borthakur, A., Cranmer, B., Dooley, G., Mohanty, S.K., Jassby, D., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S. (2022) Enhanced Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Complex Matrices by polyDADMAC-Coated Regenerable Granular Activated Carbon. Environmental Pollution. 118603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118603 

3. Kalra, S.S, Cranmer, B., Dooley, G., Hanson, A.J., Maraviov, S., Mohanty, S.K., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S. (2021) Sonolytic Destruction of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Mixtures, Groundwater, AFFF, and Investigation Derived Waste. Chemical Engineering Journal. 425. 121778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.131778 

4. Borthakur, A., Olsen, P., Dooley, G., Cranmer, B.K., Rao, U., Hoek, E.M.V., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Dry-wet and freeze-thaw cycles enhance PFOA leaching from subsurface soils. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 2. 100029.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2021.100029   

5. Borthakur, A., Wang, M., He, M., Ascensio, K., Adamson, D., and Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Perfluoroalkyl acids on suspended particles: Unexplored transport pathways in surface water and subsurface soils. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 417. 126159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126159   

6. Borthakur, A., Cranmer, B.K., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Release of soil colloids during flow interruption increases the pore-water PFAS concentration in saturated soil. Environmental Pollution. 286, 117297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117297 

7. Berger, A.W., Valenca, R., Miao, Y., Ravi, S., Mahendra, S. and Mohanty, S.K., 2019. Biochar increases nitrate removal capacity of woodchip biofilters during high-intensity rainfall. Water research. 165, 115008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.115008

8. Wang, M., Mohanty, S. K., Mahendra, S. (2019) Nanomaterial-Supported Enzymes for Water Purification and Monitoring in Point-of-Use Water Supply Systems. Accounts of chemical research 52 (4), 876-885 https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00613

Research Interest:

Prof. Stenstorm's research interests center around process development for water and wastewater treatment systems, including mathematical modeling and optimization. More recently he has applied these mathematical techniques to urban runoff and stormwater issues.

Project:

Co-Principal Investigator, Coupled effect of compaction and amendment properties on the efficiency of stormwater treatment system in Clear Recovery Zone. California Transportation Agency (Caltrans).

Collaborative Publications:

1. Das, T. K., Raoelison, O.D., Rehman, H., Zhang, Y., Chao, W., Thamiz, L., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty S.K. (2023) Use of Expanded Shale, Clay, and Slate Aggregates and Biochar in the Clear Zone of Road Infrastructures for Sustainable Treatment of Stormwater. Journal of Cleaner Production. 139443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.139443. 

2. Das, T.K., Le, H., Stenstrom, M.K., Ravi, S., and Mohanty S. K. (2023) The Amount of Sand Required to Transform Roadside Compacted Soil into Sustainable Stormwater Treatment Solutions.  Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment. Volume 9, Issue 4. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.SWENG-510 

3. Ghavanloughajar, M., Borthakur, A., Cira, M., Jay, J., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Adding a submerged layer to the stormwater biofilter design could increase antibiotic resistance genes concentration in the effluent.  Journal of Environmental Engineering. 149 (7), 06023001. https://doi.org/10.1061/JOEEDU.EEENG-7297 

4. Das, T.K., Kabir, A., Zhao, W., Stenstrom, M.K., Dittrich, T. M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) A review of compaction effect on subsurface processes in soil: Implications on stormwater treatment in roadside compacted soil. Science of the Total Environment. 160121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160121.

5. Borthakur, A., Chhour, K., Gayle, H., Prehn, S., Stenstorm, M.K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Natural aging of expanded shale, clay, and slate (ESCS) amendment with heavy metals in stormwater increases its antibacterial properties: Implications on biofilter design. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 128309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128309 

6. Ghavanloughajar, M., Borthakur, A., Valenca, R., McAdam, M., Khor, C., Dittrich, T.M., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Iron amendment minimizes the first-flush release of pathogens from stormwater biofilters. Environmental Pollution. 116989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116989.

7. Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Zu, Y., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Biochar selection for Escherichia coli removal in stormwater biofilters. Journal of Environmental Engineering.  https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001843

8. Le, H., Valenca, R., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Size-dependent biochar breaking under compaction: Implications on clogging and pathogen removal in biofilters. Environmental Pollution. 115195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115195

9. Ghavanloughajar, M., Le, H., Rahman, M.D., Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Compaction conditions affect the capacity of biochar-amended sand filters to treat road runoff. Science of the Total Environment. 735, 139180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139180

Research Interest:

Membrane materials and processes; Nanoscience and nanotechnology; Interfacial science and engineering; Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation; Desalination and advanced water treatment.

Collaborative Publications:

1. Borthakur, A., Olsen, P., Dooley, G., Cranmer, B.K., Rao, U., Hoek, E.M.V., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Dry-wet and freeze-thaw cycles enhance PFOA leaching from subsurface soils. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 2. 100029.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2021.100029   

2. Koutnik, V.S., Alkidim, S., Leonard, D. J., DePrima, F., Cao, S., Hoek, E.M.V, and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Unaccounted microplastics in wastewater sludge: Where do they go? ES&T Water. 1, 5, 1086–1097. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.0c00267 

3. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, D. J., Alkidim, S., DePrima, F., Ravi, S., Hoek, E.M.V, and Mohanty, S. (2021) Distribution of microplastics in soil and freshwater environments: Global analysis and framework for transport modeling. Environmental Pollution. 116552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116552 

Research Interest:

Dr. Ravi's research is directed to understanding the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities on surface processes in terrestrial ecosystems, in the context of ecosystem degradation. Topics include managing scarce soil and water resources in the context of multiple demands and multiple constraints associated with land-use change and disturbances, the core challenge facing the future of world's food security and environmental quality.

Collaborative Publications:

1. Raabe, M., Caplan, J. S., Mohanty, S. K., and Ravi, S. (202X) Biochar mitigates the negative impact of compaction on the hydraulic performance of engineered soil media. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology [In Review] 

2. Leonard, J., Koutnik, V., Sankar, M. S., Katkar, A., El Rassi, L.; Choy, M., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cowger, W., Ravi, S., Li, C., Dash, P., Mohanty, S.K. Microplastics in the ocean floor in the Gulf of Mexico reveal historic deposition. Marine Pollution Bulletin. [In review] 

3. Leonard, J., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2024) Preferential emission of microplastics from biosolid-applied agricultural soils: Field evidence and theoretical framework Environmental Science & Technology Letters. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00850 

4. Das, T.K., Le, H., Stenstrom, M.K., Ravi, S., and Mohanty S. K. (2023) The Amount of Sand Required to Transform Roadside Compacted Soil into Sustainable Stormwater Treatment Solutions.  Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment. Volume 9, Issue 4. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.SWENG-510 

5. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Brar, J., Cao, S., Glasman, J.B., R., Cowger, W., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Transport of microplastics in stormwater treatment systems under freeze-thaw cycles: Critical role of plastic density. Water Research. 118950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.118950

6. Koutnik, V.S., Borthakur, A., Leonard, J., Alkidim, S., Koydemir, H.C., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Mobility of polypropylene microplastics in stormwater biofilters under freeze-thaw cycles. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 100048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100048.

7. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Glasman, J.B., Koydemir, H.C., Novoselov, A., Brar, J., Bertel, R., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Microplastics retained in stormwater control measures: Where do they come from and where do they go? Water Research. 118008. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2021.118008 

8. Borthakur, A., Leonard, J., Koutnik. V., Ravi, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Inhalation risks from wind-blown dust in biosolid-applied agricultural lands: Are they enriched with microplastics and PFAS? Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health. 100309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2021.100309 

9. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, D. J., Alkidim, S., DePrima, F., Ravi, S., Hoek, E., and Mohanty, S. (2021) Distribution of microplastics in soil and freshwater environments: Global analysis and framework for transport modeling. Environmental Pollution. 116552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116552 

10. *Alam, S., Borthakur, A., Ravi, S., Gebremichael, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Managed aquifer recharge implementation criteria to achieve water sustainability. Science of the Total Environment. 144992.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.144992.

11. Ravi, S. Li, J., Meng, Z., Zhang, J., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Generation, resuspension, and transport of particulate matter from biochar-amended soils: A potential health risk. Geohealth. 4, e2020GH000311. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GH000311.

12. Le, H., Valenca, R., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Size-dependent biochar breaking under compaction: Implications on clogging and pathogen removal in biofilters. Environmental Pollution. 115195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115195

13. Ghavanloughajar, M., Le, H., Rahman, M.D., Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Compaction conditions affect the capacity of biochar-amended sand filters to treat road runoff. Science of the Total Environment. 735, 139180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139180

14. Berger, A.W., Valenca, R., Miao, Y., Ravi, S., Mahendra, S. and Mohanty, S.K., 2019. Biochar increases nitrate removal capacity of woodchip biofilters during high-intensity rainfall. Water research. 165, 115008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.115008 

15. Trifunovic, B., Gonzales, H. B., Ravi, S., Sharratt, B. S., Mohanty, S.K. (2018) Dynamic effects of biochar concentration and particle size on hydraulic properties of sand. Land Degradation & Development. https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2906 

Research Interest:

Contaminant transport modeling, studying how small clay particles help radioactive materials move faster through shallow surface and groundwater environments.

Project:

Principal Investigator, Coupled Hydrothermal Extraction and Ligand-Associated Organosilica Media Recovery of REEs from Coal Fly Ash. Department of Energy (DOE).

Collaborative Publications:

1. Tummala, C.M., Dardona, M., Praneeth, S., Mohanty, S.K., Dittrich, T.M. (2023) Iron-coated nutshell waste bioadsorbents: Synthesis, phosphate remediation, and subsequent fertilizer application.   Environmental Research. 117468.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.117468

2. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T.K., Visweswaran, A., Guyett, K., Spallone, S., Ramos, R., Merrifield, R., Dittrich, T.M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Do Drinking Water Treatment Residuals Underperform in the Presence of Compost in Stormwater Biofilters? Science of the Total Environment. 166635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166635. 

3. Dardona, M., Mohanty, S.K., Allen, M.J., and Dittrich, T.M. (2023)  From ash to oxides: Recovery of rare-earth elements as a step towards valorization of coal fly ash waste. Separation and Purification Technology. 123532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2023.123532 

4. Leonard, J., Borthakur, A., Koutnik, V.S., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cower, W., Dittrich, T.M., Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Challenges of using leaves as a biomonitoring system to assess airborne microplastic pollution in urban areas. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 101651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2023.101651.

5. Das, T.K., Kabir, A., Zhao, W., Stenstrom, M., Dittrich, T. M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) A review of compaction effect on subsurface processes in soil: Implications on stormwater treatment in roadside compacted soil. Science of the Total Environment. 160121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160121.

6. O'Leary, B.F, Hill, A.B., Akers, K.G., Esparra-Escalera, H.J., Lucas, A., Raoufi, G., Huang, Y., Mariscal, N., Mohanty, S.K., Tummala, C.M., Dittrich, T.M. (2021) Air Quality Monitoring and Measurement in an Urban Airshed: Contextualizing Datasets from the Detroit Michigan area from 1952-2020. Science of the Total Environment.  152120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152120   

7. Ghavanloughajar, M., Borthakur, A., Valenca, R., McAdam, M., Khor, C., Dittrich, T.M., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Iron amendment minimizes the first-flush release of pathogens from stormwater biofilters. Environmental Pollution. 116989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116989 

8. Valenca, R., Le, H., Zu, Y., Dittrich, T.M., Tsang, D.C.W., Dutta, R., Sarkar, D., and Mohanty, S. (2021) Nitrate removal uncertainty in stormwater control measures: Is the design or climate a culprit? Water Research, 116781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116781

9. Valenca, R., Ramnath, K., Dittrich, T.M., Taylor, R. E., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Microbial quality of surface water and subsurface soil after wildfire. Water Research. 175, 115672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.115672 

Research Interest:

Dr. Blotevogel’s research interests revolve around the fate of emerging contaminants, conducting laboratory- and field-scale experiments to elucidate degradation in both natural and engineered systems. He has developed innovative water treatment technologies, theoretical models for contaminant degradation pathways and kinetics, as well as various analytical techniques with focus on high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Project:

Principal Investigator, Evaluation of PFAS Retardation and Treatment Processes. Department of Defense/ GSI Environmental, Inc. /Navy (Naval Fac. Eng. Command).

Collaborative Publications:

1. Borthakur, A., Das, T.K., Zhanga, Y., Libbert, S., Prehn, S., Ramos, P., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Rechargeable stormwater biofilters: In situ regeneration of PFAS removal capacity by using a cationic polymer, Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride. Journal of Cleaner Production. 134244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134244.

2. Ramos, P., Kalra, S.S, Johnson, N.W., Khor, C.M, Borthakur, A., Cranmer, B., Dooley, G., Mohanty, S.K., Jassby, D., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S. (202X) Enhanced Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Complex Matrices by polyDADMAC-Coated Regenerable Granular Activated Carbon. Environmental Pollution. 118603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118603 

3. Kalra, S.S, Cranmer, B., Dooley, G., Hanson, A.J., Maraviov, S., Mohanty, S.K., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S. (2021) Sonolytic Destruction of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Mixtures, Groundwater, AFFF, and Investigation Derived Waste. Chemical Engineering Journal. 425. 121778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.131778 

4. Borthakur, A., Olsen, P., Dooley, G., Cranmer, B.K., Rao, U., Hoek, E.M.V., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Dry-wet and freeze-thaw cycles enhance PFOA leaching from subsurface soils. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 2. 100029.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2021.100029   

5. Borthakur, A., Wang, M., He, M., Ascensio, K., Adamson, D., and Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Perfluoroalkyl acids on suspended particles: Unexplored transport pathways in surface water and subsurface soils. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 417. 126159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126159   

6. Borthakur, A., Cranmer, B.K., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Release of soil colloids during flow interruption increases the pore-water PFAS concentration in saturated soil. Environmental Pollution. 286, 117297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117297 

Research Interest:

Tonoy is interested in working on the intersection of environmental chemistry, water treatment, and environmental remediation.  His research is aimed to understand the fate and transport of  emerging and legacy pollutants at local, regional, and global levels in natural and engineered systems in response to climate change with the overarching goal to design sustainable solutions to protect the water quality for drinking and agricultural production. At SEALab, Tonoy is working on a variety of projects: 1) impact of wildfire residues in subsurface soil and surface water; 2) stormwater treatment system design in roadside where compaction is required ; 3) Freeze-thaw cycles and its impact on biochemical reactions in soil or stormwater biofilters. 

Publications: 

1. Das, T., Nayak, H.P., Mohanty, S.K (202X) Freeze-thaw cycles enhanced the biogeochemical activities in compacted soil: Implications on roadside biofilter design. Environmental Pollution.  [In Preparation]

2. Das, T., Mohanty, S. (202X) Freeze-thaw cycles enrich PFAS on microplastics and increase their toxicity. JHM Letters.  [In Preparation]

3. Das, T.K., Han, Z., Banerjee, S., Raoelison, O.D., Adeleye, A.S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) PFAS release from the subsurface and capillary fringe during managed aquifer recharge. Environmental Pollution. 123166.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123166  

4. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Guyett, K., Merrifield, R., Visweswaran, A., Indiresan, S., Lin Yang, K., Pierce, G., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) Resilience of stormwater biofilters following the deposition of wildfire residues: Implication on downstream water quality management in wildfire-prone regions.  Journal of Hazardous Materials. 132989.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132989.

5. Das, T. K., Raoelison, O.D., Rehman, H., Zhang, Y., Chao, W., Thamiz, L., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty S.K. (2023) Use of Expanded Shale, Clay, and Slate Aggregates and Biochar in the Clear Zone of Road Infrastructures for Sustainable Treatment of Stormwater. Journal of Cleaner Production. 139443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.139443. 

6. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Visweswaran, A., Guyett, K., Spallone, S., Ramos, R., Merrifield, R., Dittrich, T.M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Do Drinking Water Treatment Residuals Underperform in the Presence of Compost in Stormwater Biofilters? Science of the Total Environment. 166635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166635.  

7. Gunther, H. J, Das, T.K., Leonard, J., Koutnik, V. S., El Rassi, L., Tang, Z., and Mohanty, S. (2023) UV exposure to PET microplastics increases their downward mobility in stormwater biofilters undergoing freeze-thaw cycles. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00975G 

8. Das, T.K., Le, H., Stenstrom, M.K., Ravi, S., and Mohanty S. K. (2023) The Amount of Sand Required to Transform Roadside Compacted Soil into Sustainable Stormwater Treatment Solutions.  Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment. Volume 9, Issue 4. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.SWENG-510 

9. Das, T.K., Kabir, A., Zhao, W., Stenstrom, M., Dittrich, T. M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) A review of compaction effect on subsurface processes in soil: Implications on stormwater treatment in roadside compacted soil. Science of the Total Environment. 160121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160121.

10. Borthakur, A., Das, T.K., Zhanga, Y., Libbert, S., Prehn, S., Ramos, P., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Rechargeable stormwater biofilters: In situ regeneration of PFAS removal capacity by using a cationic polymer, Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride. Journal of Cleaner Production. 134244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134244.

Fun facts:

Tonoy was born in India. He is very much into science fiction, comics and detective novels. Tonoy is enthusiastic about hiking and camping. He likes reading about ancient civilization history.  

Research Interest:

Jamie is interested in mechanism of microplastic entrainment into air, and how exposure toxicity is related their surface properties.

Publication(s):

1. Leonard, J., Koutnik, V., Sankar, M. S., Katkar, A., El Rassi, L.; Choy, M., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cowger, W., Ravi, S., Li, C., Dash, P., Mohanty, S.K.  (202X) Microplastics in the ocean floor in the Gulf of Mexico reveal historic deposition. Marine Pollution Bulletin. [Submitted]

2. Leonard, J., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2024) Preferential emission of microplastics from biosolid-applied agricultural soils: Field evidence and theoretical framework Environmental Science & Technology Letters. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00850 

3. Leonard, J., El Rassi, L.A., Samad, M.A., Prehn, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) The relative importance of local climate and land use on the dry deposition rate of airborne microplastics on terrestrial land. Atmospheric Environment. 120212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2023.120212.

4. Gunther, H. J, Das, T.K., Leonard, J., Koutnik, V. S., El Rassi, L., Tang, Z., and Mohanty, S. (2023) UV exposure to PET microplastics increases their downward mobility in stormwater biofilters undergoing freeze-thaw cycles. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00975G

5. Leonard, J., Borthakur, A., Koutnik, V.S., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cower, W., Dittrich, T.M., Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Challenges of using leaves as a biomonitoring system to assess airborne microplastic pollution in urban areas. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 101651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2023.101651 

6. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., El Rassi, L.A., Choy, M. M., Brar, J., Glasman, J.B., Cowger, W., and Mohanty, S. (2022) Children's playgrounds contain more microplastics than other areas in urban parks. Science of the Total Environment. 158866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158866

7. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Brar, J., Cao, S., Glasman, J.B., R., Cowger, W., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Transport of microplastics in stormwater treatment systems under freeze-thaw cycles: Critical role of plastic density. Water Research. 118950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.118950

8. Leonard, J., Koydemir, H.C., Koutnik, V.S., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Smartphone enabled rapid quantification of microplastics. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 100052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100052

9. Koutnik, V.S., Borthakur, A., Leonard, J., Alkidim, S., Koydemir, H.C., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Mobility of polypropylene microplastics in stormwater biofilters under freeze-thaw cycles. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 100048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100048.

10. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Glasman, J.B., Koydemir, H.C., Novoselov, A., Brar, J., Bertel, R., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Microplastics retained in stormwater control measures: Where do they come from and where do they go? Water Research. 118008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2021.118008 

11. Borthakur, A., Leonard, J., Koutnik. V., Ravi, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Inhalation risks from wind-blown dust in biosolid-applied agricultural lands: Are they enriched with microplastics and PFAS? Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health. 100309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2021.100309 

12. Koutnik, V.S., Alkidim, S., Leonard,  J., DePrima, F., Cao, S., Hoek, E., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Unaccounted microplastics in wastewater sludge: Where do they go? ES&T Water. 1, 5, 1086–1097. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.0c00267 

13. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Alkidim, S., DePrima, F., Ravi, S., Hoek, E., and Mohanty, S. (2021) Distribution of microplastics in soil and freshwater environments: Global analysis and framework for transport modeling. Environmental Pollution. 116552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116552 

Awards:

1. 2020-2021 Outstanding CEE Master of Sciences Student Award at UCLA

2. 2020 NSF GRFP

Fun Facts: 

She is a native southern Californian, half Srilankan, and half Irish.

Research Interest:

Onja is interested in developing engineering and management solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of wildfires. In particular, her research examines the potential of stormwater treatment systems to remove wildfire-derived contaminants and the effect of those contaminants on the performance of stormwater treatment systems.

Publications:

1. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Visweswaran, A., Mohanty, S.K. How can wildfires influence disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation in detention ponds?Water Research. [In preparation]

2. Raoelison, O.D., Dixie, K., Mohanty, S.K. Innovative cohort-based research experience in Environmental Engineering course to promote science identity among undergraduate students. Journal of Engineering Education. [Will be submitted soon]

3. Indireson, S., Valenca, R., Raoelison, O.D., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S. (202X) Wildfire residue deposition affects biochemical cycling of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon in wetland. Water Research. [In preparation]

4. Das, T.K., Han, Z., Banerjee, S., Raoelison, O.D., Adeleye, A.S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) PFAS release from the subsurface and capillary fringe during managed aquifer recharge. Environmental Pollution. 123166.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123166  

5. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Guyett, K., Merrifield, R., Visweswaran, A., Indiresan, S., Lin Yang, K., Pierce, G., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) Resilience of stormwater biofilters following the deposition of wildfire residues: Implication on downstream water quality management in wildfire-prone regions.  Journal of Hazardous Materials. 132989.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132989.

6. Das, T. K., Raoelison, O.D., Rehman, H., Zhang, Y., Chao, W., Thamiz, L., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty S.K. (2023) Use of Expanded Shale, Clay, and Slate Aggregates and Biochar in the Clear Zone of Road Infrastructures for Sustainable Treatment of Stormwater. Journal of Cleaner Production. 139443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.139443. 

7. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Visweswaran, A., Guyett, K., Spallone, S., Ramos, R., Merrifield, R., Dittrich, T.M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Do Drinking Water Treatment Residuals Underperform in the Presence of Compost in Stormwater Biofilters? Science of the Total Environment. 166635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166635. 

8. Raoelison, O.D, Valenca, R., Lee, A., Karim, S., Webster, J.P., Pouline, B.A., and Mohanty, S. (2023) Wildfire impacts on surface water quality parameters: Cause of data variability and reporting needs. Environmental Pollution. 120713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120713

Awards:

1. 2024 ASCE LA YMF Dr Bill Goodin Outstanding Mentor Scholarship

2. 2023 UCLA Dissertation Year Fellowship

3. 2023 John Ries Scholarship Award

4. 2023 Kirt Brooks Memorial Water Environment California Water Environment Association Scholarship

5. 2023 AWWA Woodard & Curran

6. 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award for Teaching Assistants

7. 2023 AEESP Travel grant award

8. 2023 Martin Rubin Scholarship

9. NSBE 49th National Convention, Elevator Pitch Competition, 1st place

10. SWE-LA (Society of Women Engineers-Los Angeles) Graduate Scholarship

11. SWE-LA Inaugural Graduate Academia Research Symposium, 2nd Place Winner

12. NSBE 49th National Convention, Elevator Pitch Competition, 1st place

13. 2023 NSBE Academic Improvement Scholarship

14. 2023 ASCE Los Angeles Section Outstanding Graduate Student Award

15. 2023 ASCE Los Angeles Younger Member Forum Outstanding Graduate Student Award

16. 2023 ASCE Le Val Lund Memorial Graduate Scholarship Award

17. 2023 SABER (Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research) West CIRTL@UCLA Travel Award

18. 2022 NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) Region VI Fall Regional Conference Technical Research Competition, 1st place

19. 2022 UCLA Affiliates Private Endowment Scholarship

20. 2022 California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Fellowship

21. 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers Los Angeles Younger Member Forum (ASCE) INWED Scholarship

22. 2022 Malcolm R. Stacey Scholarship

23. 2022 AWWA (American Water Works Association) Arcadis Scholarship

24. 2022 GradSWE @UCLA Empowerment Scholarship

25. 2022 UCLA Cross-Campus Innovation Challenge in Sustainability, 2nd place

26. 2021 NSF Research Traineeship - NRT INFEWS, University of California Los Angeles.

27. 2021 LA Urban Center's Science Fellowship. 

28. 2021 UCLA Summer Mentored Research Fellowship

Fun Facts: 

Onja enjoys practicing sports like fitness and basketball, and she was a competitive swimmer for more than 10 years. She was born in Madagascar and has dual citizenship from France and Madagascar.

Research Interest:

Vera is interested in understanding how microplastics travel and accumulate in the subsurface environments and biofilters. She currently examines the fate of microplastics in the terrestrial environment.

Publication(s):

1. Leonard, J., Koutnik, V.S., Sankar, M. S., Katkar, A., El Rassi, L.; Choy, M., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cowger, W., Ravi, S., Li, C., Dash, P., Mohanty, S.K. (202X) Microplastics in the ocean floor in the Gulf of Mexico reveal historic deposition. Marine Pollution Bulletin. [Submitted]

2. Gunther, H. J, Das, T.K., Leonard, J., Koutnik, V. S., El Rassi, L., Tang, Z., and Mohanty, S. (2023) UV exposure to PET microplastics increases their downward mobility in stormwater biofilters undergoing freeze-thaw cycles. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00975G

3. Leonard, J., Borthakur, A., Koutnik, V.S., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cower, W., Dittrich, T.M., Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Challenges of using leaves as a biomonitoring system to assess airborne microplastic pollution in urban areas. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 101651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2023.101651.

4. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., El Rassi, L.A., Choy, M. M., Brar, J., Glasman, J.B., Cowger, W., and Mohanty, S. (2022) Children's playgrounds contain more microplastics than other areas in urban parks. Science of the Total Environment. 158866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158866.

5. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Brar, J., Cao, S., Glasman, J.B., R., Cowger, W., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Transport of microplastics in stormwater treatment systems under freeze-thaw cycles: Critical role of plastic density. Water Research. 118950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.118950

6. Leonard, J., Koydemir, H.C., Koutnik, V.S., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Smartphone enabled rapid quantification of microplastics. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 100052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100052

7. Koutnik, V.S., Borthakur, A., Leonard, J., Alkidim, S., Koydemir, H.C., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Mobility of polypropylene microplastics in stormwater biofilters under freeze-thaw cycles. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 100048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100048.

8. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Glasman, J.B., Koydemir, H.C., Novoselov, A., Brar, J., Bertel, R., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Microplastics retained in stormwater control measures: Where do they come from and where do they go? Water Research. 118008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2021.118008 

9. Borthakur, A., Leonard, J., Koutnik. V., Ravi, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Inhalation risks from wind-blown dust in biosolid-applied agricultural lands: Are they enriched with microplastics and PFAS? Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health. 100309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2021.100309 

10. Koutnik, V.S., Alkidim, S., Leonard, D. J., DePrima, F., Cao, S., Hoek, E., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Unaccounted microplastics in wastewater sludge: Where do they go? ES&T Water. 1, 5, 1086–1097. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.0c00267 

11. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, D. J., Alkidim, S., DePrima, F., Ravi, S., Hoek, E., and Mohanty, S. (2021) Distribution of microplastics in soil and freshwater environments: Global analysis and framework for transport modeling. Environmental Pollution. 116552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116552 

Awards:

1. 2022 UCLA Samueli Harry M. Showman Prize. 

2. 2022 UCLA Samueli Engineering Achievement Award in Student Welfare.

3. 2021-22 NSF Research Traineeship - NRT INFEWS, University of California Los Angeles.

4. 2021 UCLA Samueli Graduate Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE) Scholarship

5. 2021 Presidential Service Award - Graduate Student Association (GSA) – for contributions to the UCLA Community

Fun Facts: 

Vera likes playing volleyball, spending time outdoors, and playing board games with friends. She has two cats named after Mexican restaurants in San Diego: Rigoberto's (Rigo) and Lolita's (Leela). She was born in Russia.

Research Interest:

Annesh is interested about how soil colloid surface chemistry reveals biogeochemical processes in the systems from which the colloids are released from, and apply this technique to understand the resilience of stormwater treatment systems and remediated lands. Annesh has also explored the fate and transport of PFAS in the subsurface, particularly in association with natural soil colloids. 

Publications: 

1. Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Karim, S., Das, T., and Mohanty, S.K. (202X) Critical role of biochar in building climate-resilient stormwater infiltration system. Water Research. [In Preparation]

2. Ghavanloughajar, M., Borthakur, A., Cira, M., Jay, J., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Adding a submerged layer to the stormwater biofilter design could increase antibiotic resistance genes concentration in the effluent.  Journal of Environmental Engineering. 149 (7), 06023001. https://doi.org/10.1061/JOEEDU.EEENG-7297 

3. Leonard, J., Borthakur, A., Koutnik, V.S., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cower, W., Dittrich, T.M., Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Challenges of using leaves as a biomonitoring system to assess airborne microplastic pollution in urban areas. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 101651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2023.101651 

4. Borthakur, A., Das, T.K., Zhanga, Y., Libbert, S., Prehn, S., Ramos, P., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Rechargeable stormwater biofilters: In situ regeneration of PFAS removal capacity by using a cationic polymer, Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride. Journal of Cleaner Production. 134244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134244.

5. Borthakur, A., Chhour, K., Gayle, H., Prehn, S., Stenstorm, M.K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Natural aging of expanded shale, clay, and slate (ESCS) amendment with heavy metals in stormwater increases its antibacterial properties: Implications on biofilter design. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 128309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128309 

6. Koutnik, V.S., Borthakur, A., Leonard, J., Alkidim, S., Koydemir, H.C., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Mobility of polypropylene microplastics in stormwater biofilters under freeze-thaw cycles. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 100048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2022.100048.

7. Ramos, P., Kalra, S.S, Johnson, N.W., Khor, C.M, Borthakur, A., Cranmer, B., Dooley, G., Mohanty, S.K., Jassby, D., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S. (2022) Enhanced Removal of Anionic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Complex Matrices by polyDADMAC-Stabilized Regenerable Granular Activated Carbon. Environmental Pollution. 118603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118603 

8. Borthakur, A.,Leonard, J., Koutnik. V., Ravi, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Inhalation risks from wind-blown dust in biosolid-applied agricultural lands: Are they enriched with microplastics and PFAS? Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health. 100309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2021.100309 

9. Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Le, H., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Biochar Role in Improving Pathogens Removal Capacity of Stormwater Biofilters. Advances in Chemical Pollution, Environmental Management and Protection: Biochar: Fundamentals and Applications in Environmental Science and Remediation Technologies. Volume 6. Editor: Ajit Sarmah. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apmp.2021.08.007

10. Borthakur, A., Olsen, P., Dooley, G., Cranmer, B.K., Rao, U., Hoek, E.M.V., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Dry-wet and freeze-thaw cycles enhance PFOA leaching from subsurface soils. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 2. 100029.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2021.100029   

11. Borthakur, A., Wang, M., He, M., Ascensio, K., Adamson, D., and Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Perfluoroalkyl acids on suspended particles: Unexplored transport pathways in surface water and subsurface soils. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 417. 126159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126159   

12. Borthakur, A., Cranmer, B.K., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Release of soil colloids during flow interruption increases the pore-water PFAS concentration in saturated soil. Environmental Pollution. 286, 117297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117297 

13. Ghavanloughajar, M., Borthakur, A., Valenca, R., McAdam, M., Khor, C., Dittrich, T.M., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Iron amendment minimizes the first-flush release of pathogens from stormwater biofilters. Environmental Pollution. 116989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116989.

14. Alam, S., Borthakur, A., Ravi, S., Gebremichael, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Managed aquifer recharge implementation criteria to achieve water sustainability. Science of the Total Environment. 144992.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.144992.

15. Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Zu, Y., Stenstrom, M. K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Biochar selection for Escherichia coli removal in stormwater biofilters. Journal of Environmental Engineering.  https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001843.

16. Ghavanloughajar, M., Le, H., Rahman, M.D., Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Compaction conditions affect the capacity of biochar-amended sand filters to treat road runoff. Science of the Total Environment. 735, 139180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139180. 

Awards:

1. 2021 Environmental Research and Education Foundation’s Scholarship

2. 2021 United Contractors (UCON) Scholarship Award

3. 2019-20 John Ries Scholarship

Fun facts:

Annesh is the receiver of the inaugural John Ries Scholarship. Annesh is an avid reader of fantasy novels. He had started with the Chronicles of Narnia and is now reading the Inheritance cycle. He loves swimming. Annesh is always positive and smiling, even in the most stressful situations. In SEALab, everyone pulls his leg when he does silly things, but he takes everything very sportively. Annesh was born in Assam, India.

Research Interest:

Renan is interested in water management, waste reuse, climate change and sustainable development tools. Renan's doctoral study is on how to design stormwater biofilters that can be resilient under changing climate conditions. Specific topics under his research are: 1) impact of wildfire residues in subsurface soil and surface water, 2) redox manipulation of biofilter by direct current to enhance contaminant removal, 3) fungi amended biofilter to remove redox-sensitive contaminants, 4) biofilter’s microbiome response to climate stressors. 

Publications: 

1. Indireson, S., Valenca, R., Davidson, O., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S. (202X) Wildfire residue deposition affects biochemical cycling of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon in wetland.  Water Research. [In preparation]

2. Valenca, R., McKnight, Q., Mohanty, S.K. et al. (202X) Wildfire residue deposits accelerate methane emission in wetlands. Water Research. [In preparation]

3. Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Karim, S., Das, T., and Mohanty, S.K. (202X) Critical role of biochar in building climate-resilient stormwater infiltration system. Water Research. [In Preparation] 

4. Raoelison, O., Valenca, R., Lee, A., Karim, S., Webster, J.P., Pouline, B.A., and Mohanty, S. (2023) Wildfire impacts on surface water quality parameters: Cause of data variability and reporting needs. Environmental Pollution. 120713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120713

5. Valenca, R., Garcia, L., Flor, D., Espinosa, C., and Mohanty, S.K. (202X) Can water composition and weather factors predict fecal indicator bacteria removal in retention ponds in variable weather conditions? Science of the Total Environment. 156410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156410 

6. Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Le, H., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Biochar Role in Improving Pathogens Removal Capacity of Stormwater Biofilters. Advances in Chemical Pollution, Environmental Management and Protection: Biochar: Fundamentals and Applications in Environmental Science and Remediation Technologies. Volume 6. Editor: Ajit Sarmah. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.apmp.2021.08.007.

7. Ghavanloughajar, M., Borthakur, A., Valenca, R., McAdam, M., Khor, C., Dittrich, T.M., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Iron amendment minimizes the first-flush release of pathogens from stormwater biofilters. Environmental Pollution. 116989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116989.

8. Valenca, R., Le, H., Zu, Y., Dittrich, T., Tsang, D.C.W., Datta, R., Sarkar, D., and Mohanty, S. (2021) Nitrate removal uncertainty in stormwater control measures: Is the design or climate a culprit?  Water Research. 116781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116781.

9. Tirpak, A., Afrooz, N., Winston, R.J., Valenca, R., Schiff, K., Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Conventional and Amended Bioretention Soil Media for Targeted Pollutant Treatment: A Critical Review to Guide the State of the Practice. Water Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116648

10. Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Zu, Y., Stenstrom, M. K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Biochar selection for Escherichia coli removal in stormwater biofilters. Journal of Environmental Engineering.  https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001843

11. Le, H., Valenca, R., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Size-dependent biochar breaking under compaction: Implications on clogging and pathogen removal in biofilters. Environmental Pollution. 115195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115195

12. Ghavanloughajar, M., Le, H., Rahman, M.D., Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Compaction conditions affect the capacity of biochar-amended sand filters to treat road runoff. Science of the Total Environment. 735, 139180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139180

13. Valenca, R., Ramnath, K., Dittrich, T.M., Taylor, R. E., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Microbial quality of surface water and subsurface soil after wildfire. Water Research. 175, 115672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.115672

14. Baalousha, M., Wang, J., Nabi, M., Loosli, F., Valenca, R., Mohanty, S.K., Afrooz, N., Cantando, E., Aich, N. (2020) Stormwater green infrastructures retain high concentrations of TiO2 engineered (nano)-particles. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 392, 122335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122335

15. Berger, A.W., Valenca, R., Miao, Y., Ravi, S., Mahendra, S. and Mohanty, S.K., 2019. Biochar increases nitrate removal capacity of woodchip biofilters during high-intensity rainfall. Water research. 165, 115008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.115008

16. Mohanty, S.K., Valenca, R., Berger, A., Xiong, X., Yu, I.K.M., Saunders, T.M., and Tsang, D.C.W. (2018) Plenty of room for carbon on the ground: Potential applications of biochar for stormwater treatment. Science of the Total Environment. 625, 1644-1658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.037

Awards:

1. 2021-22 Dissertation Year Fellowship, University of California Los Angeles.

2. 2021-22 INFEWS Fellowship. University of California Los Angeles.

3. 2021-22 LA Urban Center's Science Fellowship. 

4. 2020-21 CEE Martin Rubin Scholarship. University of California Los Angeles.

Fun facts:

Renan loves surfing, cooking and skateboarding. He organizes SEALab barbecue parties and teaches us how to barbecue in a traditional Brazilian way. He also loves Italy and any Italian related subject. Renan speaks four languages: Portuguese, English, Italian and Spanish, but he still wants to learn one more: German. Renan was born in Brazil.

Research Interest:

Maryam investigated the processes that affect the longevity of stormwater biofilter media so that their performance lifetime can be improved by engineering controls or design modifications. Specific objectives of her research: (1) to  examine the effect of one of the physical stressors—compaction— on longevity of biofilter media and performance of biofilters; (2) to evaluate the effect of a chemical stressors—stormwater constituents—on longevity and performance of iron amendment; (3) to examine the persistence of antibiotic resistance genes, an emerging contaminant, in stormwater biofilters with different design configurations. The results of her work would advance the understanding of how physical, chemical and biological processes in biofilters could deteriorate biofilter media over time.

Publication(s):

1. Ghavanloughajar, M., Borthakur, A., Cira, M., Jay, J., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Adding a submerged layer to the stormwater biofilter design could increase antibiotic resistance genes concentration in the effluent.  Journal of Environmental Engineering. 149 (7), 06023001. https://doi.org/10.1061/JOEEDU.EEENG-7297 

2. Ghavanloughajar, M., Borthakur, A., Valenca, R., McAdam, M., Khor, C., Dittrich, T.M., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (202X) Iron amendment minimizes the first-flush release of pathogens from stormwater biofilters. Environmental Pollution. 116989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116989.

3. Ghavanloughajar, M., Le, H., Rahman, M.D., Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Compaction conditions affect the capacity of biochar-amended sand filters to treat road runoff. Science of the Total Environment. 735, 139180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139180.

Fun fact: 

She loves organizing events and she is an officer for grad chapter of UCLA Society of Women Engineer. She was born in Iran.

Research Interest:

Understanding chromium levels in soil before and after wildfire

Publication(s): 

Fun Facts: 

During the Halloween season, you can find Carmen getting voluntarily scared at Universal Horror Nights!

Research Interest:

Fungal biodegradation of plastics, microplastic fate and transport, health and environmental consequences of microplastics, and fungal mycelium as a biodegradable polystyrene substitute.

Publication(s):

1. Gunther, H. J, Das, T.K., Leonard, J., Koutnik, V. S., El Rassi, L., Tang, Z., and Mohanty, S. (2023) UV exposure to PET microplastics increases their downward mobility in stormwater biofilters undergoing freeze-thaw cycles. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00975G

Fun Facts: 

Haley enjoys dog training, crocheting, and playing Just Dance. The beach is her happy place, and trying new foods is one of her favorite pastimes!

Research Interest:

Degradation and remediation of emerging contaminants such as PFAS in surface and groundwater, I am particularly interested in socioeconomic and environmental impacts in moving towards a circular economy.

Publication(s):

1. Banerjee, S.,  Das, T.K., Borthakur, A.,  Valenca, R., and Mohanty, S.K. (202X) Source, distribution, and removal of PFAS in stormwater: Challenges and Opportunity. In Preparation.

2. Das, T.K., Han, Z., Banerjee, S., Raoelison, O.D., Adeleye, A.S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) PFAS release from the subsurface and capillary fringe during managed aquifer recharge. Environmental Pollution. 123166.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123166  

Fun Facts: 

I like to act, both theater and film acting. As a teenager, I’ve featured in a couple of short films too. Maybe I’ll pick up acting again now that I’m in LA (haha) 

Research Interest:

Samiha's research examines biological methods to extract rare earth elements from wastes including coal ash and electronic wastes. 

Publications:

1. Karim, S., Satpathy, S., Marsden, N.J., Dittrich, T.D., Mohanty, S.K. (202X) Cash from Trash: Meta Analysis on Bioleaching of Rare Earth Elements. Journal of Hazardous Materials. [In preparation].

2. Raoelison, O., Valenca, R., Lee, A., Karim, S., Webster, J.P., Pouline, B.A., and Mohanty, S. (2023) Wildfire impacts on surface water quality parameters: Cause of data variability and reporting needs. Environmental Pollution. 120713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120713

Fun Facts: 

Samiha passes her leisure time by reading novels and fiction. She is into dancing. Recently She has grown interested in cooking and is trying to make food from different cuisines.  She was born in Bangladesh.

Research Interest:

Shruti's research examines changes in the microbiome and its function, particularly sulfide oxidation and denitrification in wetland sediments after receiving wildfire residues. 

Publication:

1. Indireson, S. Valenca, R., Davidson, O., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S. (202X) Wildfire residue deposition affects biochemical cycling of nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon in wetland.  Water Research. [In preparation]

2. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Guyett, K., Merrifield, R., Visweswaran, A., Indiresan, S., Lin Yang, K., Pierce, G., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) Resilience of stormwater biofilters following the deposition of wildfire residues: Implication on downstream water quality management in wildfire-prone regions.  Journal of Hazardous Materials. 132989.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132989.

Fun Facts: Shruti is a flute player and was in marching band. She enjoys trying new recipes and writing poetry. 

Research Interest:

Cami is interested in water reuse and management, renewable energy, and green infrastructure. Her research examines how to best design of stormwater treatment systems near the roadside so that they can treat road runoff at the source. In particular, she conducted bench-top experiments to examine the effect of compaction on the ability of biochar to treat stormwater.

Publications:

1. Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Le, H., and Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Biochar Role in Improving Pathogens Removal Capacity of Stormwater Biofilters. Advances in Chemical Pollution, Environmental Management and Protection: Biochar: Fundamentals and Applications in Environmental Science and Remediation Technologies. Volume 6. Editor: Ajit Sarmah.

2. Valenca, R., Le, H., Zu, Y., Dittrich, T., Tsang, D.C.W., Datta, R., Sarkar, D., and Mohanty, S. (2021) Nitrate removal uncertainty in stormwater control measures: Is the design or climate a culprit? Water Research. 116781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116781.

3. Le, H., Valenca, R., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Size-dependent biochar breaking under compaction: Implications on clogging and pathogen removal in biofilters. Environmental Pollution. 115195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115195

4. Ghavanloughajar, M., Le, H., Rahman, M.D., Valenca, R., Borthakur, A., Ravi, S., Stenstrom, M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2020) Compaction conditions affect the capacity of biochar-amended sand filters to treat road runoff. Science of the Total Environment. 735, 139180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139180

Awards

2020 Edward K. Rice Outstanding Master’s Student Award

Fun Facts:

She has graduated with M.S. and continuing working in SEALab as a project scientist. Cami enjoys activities that make her move: practicing fitness, gardening, and playing with her cutest-pet-in-the-earth: a corgi. She also loves reading books and writing. Cami can pick up a new language quickly. She was born in Vietnam.

Publication(s):

1. Berger, A.W., Valenca, R., Miao, Y., Ravi, S., Mahendra, S. and Mohanty, S.K., 2019. Biochar increases nitrate removal capacity of woodchip biofilters during high-intensity rainfall. Water research. 165, 115008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.115008

2. Mohanty, S.K., Valenca, R., Berger, A., Xiong, X., Yu, I.K.M., Saunders, T.M., and Tsang, D.C.W. (2018) Plenty of room for carbon on the ground: Potential applications of biochar for stormwater treatment. Science of the Total Environment. 625, 1644-1658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.037

Research Interest:

Publication(s):

Fun Facts: 

Carmen is from San Diego and loves to travel with friends!

Research Interest:

Understanding how to mitigate the environmental impacts of pollution, green infrastructure, and environmental impacts on the Global South.

Publication(s):

1. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Guyett, K., Merrifield, R., Visweswaran, A., Indiresan, S., Lin Yang, K., Pierce, G., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) Resilience of stormwater biofilters following the deposition of wildfire residues: Implication on downstream water quality management in wildfire-prone regions.  Journal of Hazardous Materials. 132989.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132989.

2. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T.K., Visweswaran, A., Guyett, K., Spallone, S., Ramos, R., Merrifield, R., Dittrich, T.M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Do Drinking Water Treatment Residuals Underperform in the Presence of Compost in Stormwater Biofilters? Science of the Total Environment. 166635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166635. 

Fun Facts: 

Ananya speaks English, Dutch, and French, and is learning Chinese!

Research Interest:

Understanding how microplastics accumulate in environments and their impacts on human health.

Publication(s):

1. Leonard, J., Koutnik, V., Sankar, M. S., Katkar, A., El Rassi, L.A., Choy, M., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cowger, W., Ravi, S., Li, C., Dash, P., Mohanty, S.K. (202X) Microplastics in the ocean floor in the Gulf of Mexico reveal historic deposition. Marine Pollution Bulletin. [Submitted on December 23, 2022.]

2. Leonard, J., El Rassi, L.A., Samad, M.A., Prehn, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) The relative importance of local climate and land use on the dry deposition rate of airborne microplastics on terrestrial land. Atmospheric Environment. 120212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2023.120212.

3. Gunther, H. J, Das, T.K., Leonard, J., Koutnik, V. S., El Rassi, L., Tang, Z., and Mohanty, S. (2023) UV exposure to PET microplastics increases their downward mobility in stormwater biofilters undergoing freeze-thaw cycles. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00975G

4. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., El Rassi, L.A., Choy, M. M., Brar, J., Glasman, J.B., Cowger, W., and Mohanty, S. (2022) Children's playgrounds contain more microplastics than other areas in urban parks. Science of the Total Environment. 158866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158866.

Fun Facts: 

Lea enjoys baking, swimming, and traveling!

Research Interest:

Developing new ways to minimize the negative effect of anthropogenic stressors on water and soil, and therefore protecting nearby communities.

Publications:

1. Leonard, J., El Rassi, L.A., Samad, M.A., Prehn, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) The relative importance of local climate and land use on the dry deposition rate of airborne microplastics on terrestrial land. Atmospheric Environment. 120212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2023.120212.

2. Borthakur, A., Das, T.K., Zhanga, Y., Libbert, S., Prehn, S., Ramos, P., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Rechargeable stormwater biofilters: In situ regeneration of PFAS removal capacity by using a cationic polymer, Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride. Journal of Cleaner Production. 134244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134244.

3. Borthakur, A., Chhour, K., Gayle, H., Prehn, S., Stenstorm, M.K., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Natural aging of expanded shale, clay, and slate (ESCS) amendment with heavy metals in stormwater increases its antibacterial properties: Implications on biofilter design. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 128309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128309 

Fun Fact: 

In her free time, Sam likes to surf and run. She has also been a vegetarian her entire life!

Research Interest:

Understanding the environmental impacts of wildfires. Stormwater remediation. Green infrastructure design. 

Publication(s):

1. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Guyett, K., Merrifield, R., Visweswaran, A., Indiresan, S., Lin Yang, K., Pierce, G., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) Resilience of stormwater biofilters following the deposition of wildfire residues: Implication on downstream water quality management in wildfire-prone regions.  Journal of Hazardous Materials. 132989.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132989.

2. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T.K., Visweswaran, A., Guyett, K., Spallone, S., Ramos, R., Merrifield, R., Dittrich, T.M., and Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Do Drinking Water Treatment Residuals Underperform in the Presence of Compost in Stormwater Biofilters? Science of the Total Environment. 166635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166635. 

Research Interest:

Understanding how to design stormwater biofilters that would last longer without the need to replace filter media.

Publication(s):

1. Das, T. K., Raoelison, O.D., Rehman, H., Zhang, Y., Chao, W., Thamiz, L., Stenstrom, M.K., and Mohanty S.K. (2023) Use of Expanded Shale, Clay, and Slate Aggregates and Biochar in the Clear Zone of Road Infrastructures for Sustainable Treatment of Stormwater. Journal of Cleaner Production. 139443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.139443. 

2. Borthakur, A., Das, T.K., Zhanga, Y., Libbert, S., Prehn, S., Ramos, P., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Rechargeable stormwater biofilters: In situ regeneration of PFAS removal capacity by using a cationic polymer, Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride. Journal of Cleaner Production. 134244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134244.

Publications:

1. Karim, S., Satpathy, S., Marsden, N.J., Dittrich, T.D., Mohanty, S.K. (202X) Cash from Trash: Meta Analysis on Bioleaching of Rare Earth Elements. Journal of Hazardous Materials. [In preparation].

Fun fact:

Srijan likes to write poetry!

Research Interest:

Joel Is interested in studying different aspects of the environment in order to improve the health of nature and human kind.

Publication(s):

1. Leonard, J., Borthakur, A., Koutnik, V.S., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cower, W., Dittrich, T.M., Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Challenges of using leaves as a biomonitoring system to assess airborne microplastic pollution in urban areas. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 101651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2023.101651.

2. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., El Rassi, L.A., Choy, M. M., Brar, J., Glasman, J.B., Cowger, W., and Mohanty, S. (2022) Children's playgrounds contain more microplastics than other areas in urban parks. Science of the Total Environment. 158866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158866.

3. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Brar, J., Cao, S., Glasman, J.B., R., Cowger, W., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Transport of microplastics in stormwater treatment systems under freeze-thaw cycles: Critical role of plastic density. Water Research. 118950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.118950

4. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Glasman, J.B., Koydemir, H.C., Novoselov, A., Brar, J., Bertel, R., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Microplastics retained in stormwater control measures: Where do they come from and where do they go? Water Research. 118008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2021.118008 

Fun Fact: 

 In his free time, Joel enjoys coaching middle school soccer. 

Research Interest:

Understanding the effects of anthropogenic environmental stresses (e.g. altered climates, disturbed nutrient/water/carbon cycles) on environmental and urban health.

Publications:

1. Leonard, J., Borthakur, A., Koutnik, V.S., Brar, J., Glasman, J., Cower, W., Dittrich, T.M., Mohanty, S.K. (2023) Challenges of using leaves as a biomonitoring system to assess airborne microplastic pollution in urban areas. Atmospheric Pollution Research. 101651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2023.101651.

2. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., El Rassi, L.A., Choy, M. M., Brar, J., Glasman, J.B., Cowger, W., and Mohanty, S. (2022) Children's playgrounds contain more microplastics than other areas in urban parks. Science of the Total Environment. 158866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158866.

3. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Brar, J., Cao, S., Glasman, J.B., R., Cowger, W., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Transport of microplastics in stormwater treatment systems under freeze-thaw cycles: Critical role of plastic density. Water Research. 118950. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.118950

4. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., Glasman, J.B., Koydemir, H.C., Novoselov, A., Brar, J., Bertel, R., Tseng, D., Ozcan, A., Ravi, S., Mohanty, S.K. (2021) Microplastics retained in stormwater control measures: Where do they come from and where do they go? Water Research. 118008. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2021.118008 

Research Interest:

Biochemical processes in the stormwater biofilter.

Publication(s):

1. Borthakur, A., Das, T.K., Zhanga, Y., Libbert, S., Prehn, S., Ramos, P., Dooley, G., Blotevogel, J., Mahendra, S., and Mohanty, S.K. (2022) Rechargeable stormwater biofilters: In situ regeneration of PFAS removal capacity by using a cationic polymer, Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride. Journal of Cleaner Production. 134244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134244.

Research Interest:

Understanding how microplastics accumulate in environments and their impacts on human health.

Publication(s):

1. Koutnik, V.S., Leonard, J., El Rassi, L.A., Choy, M. M., Brar, J., Glasman, J.B., Cowger, W., and Mohanty, S. (2022) Children's playgrounds contain more microplastics than other areas in urban parks. Science of the Total Environment. 158866. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158866.

Research Interest:

Understanding the environmental and health impacts of various kinds of pollution (e.g., wildfire residue, heavy metals, organic matter) on communities and natural systems; 

Publication:

1. Raoelison, O.D., Das, T., Guyett, K., Merrifield, R., Visweswaran, A., Indiresan, S., Lin Yang, K., Pierce, G., and Mohanty, S.K. (2024) Resilience of stormwater biofilters following the deposition of wildfire residues: Implication on downstream water quality management in wildfire-prone regions.  Journal of Hazardous Materials. 132989.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132989.

Fun facts: Spanish is my mother tongue. 

Awards:

1. 2023 NSF GRFP

Research Interest: