Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering
Area of Doctoral Study: Environmental Engineering
Undergraduate Institute: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Research Advisor: Upal Ghosh, Ph.D.
Description of Research
My research is focused on developing an equilibrium-based polymeric passive sampling device for the measurement of methylmercury in aquatic systems. Mercury is a legacy pollutant that has been released into the environment from anthropogenic activity. In aquatic environments, mercury is transformed into methylmercury, which will biomagnify within the aquatic food chain and subsequently put those who consume contaminated fish at risk for neurotoxic, and adverse reproductive and cardiovascular health effects. Accurate measurement of methylmercury is crucial for understanding its fate and transport in the environment; however, quantifying its bioavailability in the environment is difficult given its transformative nature. Within the further development of this novel passive sampling device, my goal is to pinpoint a method to estimate methylmercury concentrations in surface waters and sediment pore waters while using this device to understand how methylmercury moves within the environment. Furthermore, I plan to research its interaction with activated carbon for its potential use as a remedial tool.