Emerging contaminants (ECs) can refer to many different kinds of chemicals, including pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs), among others. These chemicals can have a detrimental affect on aquatic species, which may bioaccumulate up the food chain, potentially affecting human health. 

At Water Lab, we monitor and assess the occurrence of these dangerous chemicals across China. Using top notch instruments from the Instrumentation and Service Center for Molecular Sciences at Westlake University, we are able to detect ECs of trace amount from environment samples. On going research projects include spatial and temporal trends of PFASs and MNPs from 2011 to 2021 in agricultural soils of China. Some results from our study have been published on Environmental Science & Technologies (doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c07873). When combined with additional information, we can evaluate potential risks of ECs to environment and human health, and assist the designing of safer PFASs alternatives.

We are currently hiring postdocs and assistant assisstants to analyzing ECs from soil samples collected between 2011 to 2021.