Organic Contaminants

Stormwater retention pond to capture and treat highway runoff. Photo: Stephanie Spahr

Water scarcity and water quality impairments are major global 21st century challenges that are heightened by population growth, climate change, groundwater depletion, and continuous introduction of anthropogenic chemicals into the aquatic environment. Our research focuses on trace organic contaminants such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and industrial chemicals that enter the aquatic environment through insufficiently treated wastewater or untreated agricultural and urban runoff. Many trace organic contaminants raise particular concern as they can cause adverse effects on ecological and human health even at trace concentrations.

Our main research areas are:

Transformation mechanisms of organic contaminants in natural and engineered aquatic systems
Water treatment with adsorbents and chemical oxidants
Storm-driven mobilisation and toxicity of organic contaminant mixtures
Urban blue-green infrastructure for stormwater purification and contaminant removal