Our research centers on problems involving physicochemical and biophysical processes
in engineered and natural environmental systems. Our work is at the interface of several disciplines, including colloid/surface science, molecular biology, nanotechnology, and separation science. Work is in progress in the following areas: |
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Nanomaterials in Aquatic Systems. We study the transport and aggregation behavior of two classes of emerging nanomaterials
—fullerenes and carbon nanotubes—in aquatic systems. We also study the biotoxicity of these nanomaterials and their interaction with model microorganisms. Work is in progress on the feasibility of using nanomaterials to enhance filtration processes. Other work investigates the interaction of biomacromolecules with mineral surfaces and the influence of such biomacromolecules on the aggregation kinetics of nanoparticles.
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Membrane Separations. We study membrane processes that are used for desalination, water reuse, and water treatment. Specifically, we investigate the fouling mechanisms of membranes by organic matter, colloidal particles, and biological growth. Because fouling is inevitable in membrane separation processes, we investigate strategies to minimize fouling and processes for chemical cleaning of fouled membranes. We also investigate the removal mechanisms of emerging contaminants (e.g., hormones and pharmaceuticals) by reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes.
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Microbial Adhesion and Transport. We study the mechanisms governing the adhesion of bacteria and viruses to solid surfaces in aquatic systems. In our earlier work we also investigated the adhesion/transport of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. Work in progress investigates the role of bacterial surface features and flagellar movement on cell deposition and transport, the influence of adsorbed biomolecules on bacterial adhesion, and physicochemical factors governing the attachement of norovirus to solid surfaces. We also study the removal and fate of norovirus in wastewater treatment.
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Foward Osmosis Desalination. Foward osmosis (FO) is a membrane-based separation process that utilizes osmotic pressure as the driving force. The FO process currently being investigated in our lab uses a recyclable solute composed of ammonium salts to generate the osmotic driving force. We study the governing mechanisms for water permeation in FO, interfacial membrane transport phenomena (such as internal concentration polarization), and FO membrane fouling. We also investigate the influence of draw solution characteristics and membrane type/orientation on FO performance.
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Water, Sanitation, and Health in Developing Countries.
Approximately 1.1 billion people lack access to safe water and 2.4 billion are without adequate sanitation. Over 2 million deaths a year are attributed to unsafe water, mostly due to waterborne diarrheal diseases. Ninety percent of those who die from diarrheal diseases are children in developing countries. We investigate point-of-use filtration technologies that can be used in developing countries to reduce diarrheal diseases. We also carry out research to analyze the effectiveness of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions on reducing trachoma, and to determine which environmental indicators are most closely associated with trachoma.
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