Research
Environmental implications of colloidal and surface interactions
Our research exploits analytical and colloidal chemistry to characterize the physicochemical conditions of colloidal suspensions (e.g., reactivity, aggregation, deposition) and employs biological endpoints in order to understand both the hazard and exposure aspects of the risk paradigm.
Understanding colloidal surface interactions in the aquatic environment is critical to predicting transport and identifying when colloids of concern will impact susceptible populations.
Micro- and Nanoplastics Fate and Transport
The increasing concern over environmental plastics is underscored by our limited knowledge of current concentrations and the transformations that occur in the environment. Understanding the fate of MNPs is complicated by the weathering and soprtion of organic contaminants that will change their physical characteristics
Environmental Impacts of Nanomaterials
Colloidal transport plays a vital role in the biogeochemical cycling of material in the aquatic environment, including the local and long-range transport of ENMs, MNPs, and natural colloids such as viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and heavy metals. In addition, the sorption of hydrophobic organic contaminants means colloids will act as transport vectors of otherwise less mobile compounds.
(Photo)reactive Nanomaterials
(Photo)reactivity plays roles in both the applications of nanotechnology (e.g., advanced oxidation processes) and the implications of engineered nanomaterial release (e.g., TiO2 released from sunscreens and paints). Photoreactivity depends on the intrinsic properties of the material but also the incidental environmental conditions.