Research Interests

Southeastern Louisiana University

Research interest

Research Interest

Environmental Science

I am interested in environmental contaminant analysis of toxic metals (mainly Pb and As) and remediation of toxic metals using nanostructured trap. A portable XRF is employed for on-site monitoring of environmental samples. Urban activities, weather and spatial patterns on environmental exposure to Pb and As are investigated. This group currently also develops nano-structured materials to remove Pb in contaminated water. The designed nanomaterials are expected to improve the decontamination rate of Pb. Morphology of Pb removal will be characterized and imaged by an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Another focus of my research in environmental analysis is to analyze phthalates in Lake Pontchartrain. Phthalate is one type of endocrine disrupting chemicals which alter functions of the endocrine system and consequently cause health effects. Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) which is a newly developed technique is employed to extract phthalates in the lake water. Several organic compounds including phthalates have been found in Lake Pontchartrain. Some of these organic compounds are on the EPA list of hazardous compounds to human health and the environment.