Environmental Engineering, Science and Management

Current Research

• Environmental Stewardship
  
  • Environmental Nanotechnology
  • Sensor Networks for Pathogen Detection
  • Remediation Technologies
  • Airborne Particulate Matter

Environmental Nanotechnology 

An interdisciplinary project led by Professor Greg Lowry develops active nanostructures for targeted delivery of reactive nanomaterials to subsurface contaminants.  Novel polymer coatings developed at CMU enable reactive nanoparticles to target specific contaminants.  Several fundamental aspects of this nanotechnology are addressed including particle characterization, reactivity, mobility, and the potential for negative human health effects or unintended ecotoxicity.

Sensor Networks for Pathogen Detection

Professor Jeanne VanBriesen leads a collaborative project with Electrical and Computer Engineering developing a novel chlorine sensor to monitor chlorine residuals within drinking water distribution systems, and is determining the suitability of chlorine residual as a surrogate for pathogen or chemical intrusion events in drinking water distribution systems. Another project uses Raman spectroscopy to detect, identify, and assess the viability of specific microbial pathogens in water. Other faculty involved in this research includes Professor Mitch Small.

Remediation Technologies

Professors Jeanne VanBriesen, Greg Lowry, Mitch Small and David Dzombak have projects aimed at understanding the biogeochemical factors influencing natural or enhanced biodegradation of PCBs in sediments. These proejcts will develop next-generation "active" sediment caps and the understanding and tools needed to predict the success of in situ sediment treatment technologies.

Airborne Particulate Matter 

Professors Peter Adams and Cliff Davidson study air pollution, especially airborne particles, as part of the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies. Atmospheric particles are associated with significant public health problems and are also agents of climate change. These impacts are studied through laboratory studies, ambient monitoring, and computer modeling.