Current research in our lab includes:

Characterization of the properties and reactivity of organic matter (OM) in watersheds

An active area of research in the Rosario group is the study of the properties of OM in watersheds, including the study of the formation of disinfection byproducts upon oxidation. Within this area, the lab has focused on the impact of nutriernts on the concentration and reactivity of OM, impact of wastewater effluents and more recently the impact of algae on treatment procesees. Addirtional work is now being undertaken to study the imapct of forrest fires on the properties, reactivity and treatability of OM. An additional component includes the use of fluorescence spectroscopy to study OM. 

Environmental photochemistry

Over the past two years, the group has also focused on the area of environmental photochemistry, examining the formation of reactive oxygen species (including hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen). The work has focused on the formation of hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen from wastewater derived organic matter (EfOM), including examining how specieific fractions of the EfOM  impact the formation process. In addition, work is being conducted on the formation of these species in ocean waters and the impact of active quenchers on the process. 

Characterization of the physicochemical properties of natural organic matter (NOM) and effluent organic matter (EfOM)

NOM and EfOM represents the majority of the organic matter found in environmental and waste waters, respectively. As an important components of the water quality, these two classes of organic material influence many processes, including transport of contaminants, photochemical processes and both water and waste water treatment. Due to their stochastic nature, there are exact models that could be used to predict the effects of NOM and EfOM on different processes, therefore detailed understanding of their properties at a local level is needed in order to understand their effect in the environment. As part of our efforts in this area, we concentrate on developing new methodologies to characterize and understand the physicochemical properties of NOM and EfOM. Examples include evaluating the natural variation in the properties of NOM and how they may affect treatment and the study of the chemistry between hydroxyl radical (OH) and EfOM.

Application of advanced oxidation processes 

Worldwide issues with potable water availability and climate change have spurred interest in alternative water sources to sustain current population and economic growth. One of the alternative being evaluated globally is the use of treated wastewater. One of the challenges in this area is to guarantee that the wastewater is safe for additional use. In this area, we are interested in the removal of organic contaminants from the waste water via advanced oxidation processes. As part of recent efforts in this area, we have evaluated ozone and UV with hydrogen peroxide for the removal of organic contaminants. Additionally, we have evaluated the effect of EfOM on the production and fate of OH, which are one of the main oxidative species produced during the application of advanced oxidation processes. Lastly, we are evaluating novel methods for the production of HO.