Although they may impact human and environmental health, contaminants of emerging concern are not currently regulated or have been only recently regulated. Our research group aims to understand the sources, occurrences, fate, and effects of contaminants of emerging concern in engineered and natural environments. The knowledge derived from these studies can help water utilities and regulators ensure safer water and environment. We are particularly interested in studying contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nano- and microplastics, engineered nanoparticles, and pharmaceuticals. In addition to employing traditional toxicity tools, our group also uses metabolomics to develop fundamental understanding of the impacts of contaminants of emerging concern on organisms.

Specific current research projects include:

• Sources and fate of PFAS in the sewer system
• Interactions between microplastics and PFAS in aqueous systems
• Microplastics as a vector for contaminants in soil

Selected Publication

Liu, C.; Liang, Z.; Adeleye, A. S.; Cui, F.; Zhao, Z. (2021). Formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) from tetracycline antibiotics during the disinfection of ammonium-containing water: The role of antibiotics dissociation and active chlorine species. Science of the Total Environment, 798:149071.

Miller, R. J.; Adeleye, A. S.; Page, H. M.; Kui, L.; Keller, A. A.; Lenihan, H. S. (2020). Nano and traditional copper and zinc antifouling coatings: metal release and impact on marine sessile invertebrate communities. Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 22:129.

Zhao, L.; Huang, Y.; Adeleye, A. S.; Keller, A. A. (2017). Metabolomics reveals Cu(OH)2 nanopesticides activated pathways and decreased beneficial antioxidants in spinach leaves. Environmental Science & Technology, 51 (17):10184-10194.