Current research interests
We are dedicated to protecting public health by addressing microbial threats in the environment. Our ongoing research focuses on enhancing 1) environmental genomic surveillance systems and 2) disinfection technologies, with the goal of ensuring that EVERYONE benefits from these environmental technologies.
Environmental genomic surveillance
We possess diverse experience in improving nucleic acid-based assays and environmental surveillance systems, especially for viral pathogen monitoring in the environment. We are interested in expanding this expertise to monitor other types of pathogens (such as Vibrio cholerae bacteria), invasive/endangered species, and algal species that are important to the ecosystem and public health.
Relevant studies:
Oh, C., Xun, G., Petrov, V.A., Lane, S.T., Zhao, H., and Nguyen, T.H., 2023, Portable, multiplexable, and single nucleotide polymorphism-specific assay for virus surveillance in wastewater, Science of The Total Environment, p.168701. In press.
Oh, C., Zhou, A, O'Brien, K., Schmidt, A.R. IV, Geltz, J., Shisler J.L., Schmidt, A.R., Keefer, L., Brown, W.M., and Nguyen, T.H., 2023, Improved performance of nucleic acid-based assays for genetically diverse norovirus surveillance, Applied and environmental microbiology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 89(10), pp.e00331-23.
Oh, C., Zhou, A., O'Brien, K., Jamal, Y., Wennerdahl, H., Schmidt, A.R., Shisler, J.L., Jutla, A., Schmidt IV, A.R., Keefer, L., Brown, W.M., and Nguyen T.H., 2022. Application of neighborhood-scale wastewater-based epidemiology in low COVID-19 incidence situations. Science of The Total Environment, 852, p.158448.
Oh, C., Sashittal, P., Zhou, A., Wang, L., El-Kebir, M. and Nguyen, T.H., 2022. Design of SARS-CoV-2 variant-specific PCR assays considering Regional and temporal characteristics. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 88(7), pp.e02289-21.
Oh, C., Kim, K., Araud, E., Wang, L., Shisler, J.L. and Nguyen, T.H., 2022. A novel approach to concentrate human and animal viruses from wastewater using receptors-conjugated magnetic beads. Water Research, 212, p.118112.
Disinfection technology
We have developed molecular assays for quantifying the structural integrity of viruses and have investigated the virus inactivation mechanisms of novel disinfection technologies. Additionally, we possess extensive experience in environmental technologies for addressing inorganic contaminants. Our current interest lies in exploring point-of-use technologies for both microbes and inorganic contaminants, with the ultimate goal of identifying solutions that can provide clean drinking water to people in resource-limited areas.
Relevant studies:
Oh, C., Zheng, G., Samineni, L., Kumar, M., and Nguyen, T.H., 2023, Effective removal of enteric viruses by Moringa oleifera seed extract functionalized cotton filter, Under review.
Oh, C., Chowdhury, R., Samineni, L., Shisler, J.L., Kumar, M. and Nguyen, T.H., 2022. Inactivation mechanism and efficacy of grape seed extract for Human Norovirus surrogate. Applied and environmental microbiology, 88(9), pp.e02247-21.
Oh, C., Pak, S., Han, Y.S., Ha, N.T.H., Hong, M. and Ji, S., 2021. Field demonstration of solar-powered electrocoagulation water treatment system for purifying groundwater contaminated by both total coliforms and arsenic. Environmental Technology, 42(3), pp.397-409.
Oh, C., Sun, P.P., Araud, E. and Nguyen, T.H., 2020. Mechanism and efficacy of virus inactivation by a microplasma UV lamp generating monochromatic UV irradiation at 222 nm. Water Research, 186, p.116386.
Oh, C., Araud, E., Puthussery, J.V., Bai, H., Clark, G.G., Wang, L., Verma, V. and Nguyen, T.H., 2020. Dry heat as a decontamination method for N95 respirator reuse. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 7(9), pp.677-682.
Oh, C., Ji, S., Cheong, Y. and Yim, G., 2018. Applicability of electrochemical wastewater treatment system powered by temperature difference energy. Journal of hazardous materials, 351, pp.108-116.
Oh, C., Ji, S., Cheong, Y., Yim, G. and Hong, J.H., 2016. Evaluation of design factors for a cascade aerator to enhance the efficiency of an oxidation pond for ferruginous mine drainage. Environmental technology, 37(19), pp.2483-2493.
Oh, C., Han, Y.S., Park, J.H., Bok, S., Cheong, Y., Yim, G. and Ji, S., 2016. Field application of selective precipitation for recovering Cu and Zn in drainage discharged from an operating mine. Science of the Total Environment, 557, pp.212-220.
Oh, C., Yu, C., Cheong, Y., Yim, G., Song, H., Hong, J.H. and Ji, S., 2015. Efficiency assessment of cascade aerator in a passive treatment system for Fe (II) oxidation in ferruginous mine drainage of net alkaline. Environmental Earth Sciences, 73, pp.5363-5373.
Oh, C., Rhee, S., Oh, M. and Park, J., 2012. Removal characteristics of As (III) and As (V) from acidic aqueous solution by steel making slag. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 213, pp.147-155.