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1. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION
My primary area of specialization is in "Aquatic
Biogeochemistry". My research focuses on the environmental
cycling, regulation, implication, and the biological role of
pollutants released into the environment by different
anthropogenic activities. Fundamental knowledge in
thermodynamics, geochemistry, microbiology, and toxicology
is used to study the fate of pollutants in natural systems,
and ultimately, to develop environmental friendly techniques
for remediation of contaminated systems. Current research
programs cover a wide range of research tracks including
fate and transport of heavy metals in aquatic systems;
analytical geochemistry; the environmental implications of
manufactured nanomaterials; and remediation of metal
contaminated soils and effluents. Current and past research
has been sponsored by federal agencies including EPA, NOAA,
DOI, and NSF.
2. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
2.1. Biogeochemistry of trace metals—This research program
on the biogeochemistry of trace metals has three primary
thrusts: (1) to explore geochemical, biological and
toxicological aspects of metals; (2) to develop remedial
approaches that are cost effective and specific to the site
under consideration; and (3) to lay the groundwork for
remedial policies via recommendations to regulatory
agencies, such as the US EPA.
2.2. Nanotechnology and the environment—This research effort
is aimed at developing an understanding of the potentially
complex interplay between manufactured nanomaterials (MN)
and the health of organisms and ecosystems. Nanotechnology
has been singled out by industry and governments to become
the world’s largest and fastest industrial revolution.
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With regard to the environment, it carries the potential to
substantially benefit environmental quality through
pollution prevention, treatment, and remediation. However,
nanotechnology could also lead to serious environmental
problems. This is because it is largely unknown how MN will
impact the environment.
Meanwhile, as the use of nanotechnology increases, emissions
of produced nanomaterials to the environment may also
increase, creating a new class of environmental problems. My
main driving research hypothesis is that chemical elements
used in the production of MN could lead to environmental
dysfunctions due to: (1) the potential toxicity of these
elements and their derivatives; (2) the nanometer-sizes that
make MN prone to bio-uptake/bioaccumulation and (3) the
large surface area which might lead MN to act as
carriers/delivers of pollutants adsorbed onto them. This
research program combines toxicological, biogeochemical, and
modeling expertise to advance discovery and understanding of
the behavior, fate, and impact of MN in the environment.
Finally, unlike the biogeochemistry topics, for which
research funds are now scarce, this emerging research field
offers several funding opportunities at both state and
federal levels. Although fast growing, it is worth noting
that my research in this area is still in its infancy. This
is also the case for this specific research area as a whole. |
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