Studying the fate and potential effects of pollutants in the ocean

The Marine Environmental Chemistry Laboratory focuses on how oil hydrocarbons (oil spill research) and PFAS (forever chemicals).

We use laboratory experiments, analytical chemistry, computational tools, and field measurements to understand processes that affect the distribution, bioaccumulation, or transformation of pollutants.

Current Research Areas

Our projects include:

• Mechanism of Oil Photochemistry: Using laboratory experiment and analytical tools to determine the mechanism and products of oil transformation by sunlight.
• Impact of Oil Photooxidation on Bioaccumulation: Investigating how oil photooxidation changes the bioaccumulation and potentially toxicity of residual oil.
• PFAS Bioaccumulation: Using laboratory experiment to determine PFAS and bioaccumulation.
• PFAS in the Environment: Determining sources and inputs of PFAS in estuaries.