Identification of organic contaminants in onsite wastewater and/or development of analytical methods to quantify organic contaminants of concern in onsite wastewater

Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) are known sources of pollution to groundwater and subsequent surface waters, and twenty five percent of the US population is served by OWTSs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Discharge of onsite wastewater has been linked to the presence of organic contaminants, including but not limited to pharmaceuticals, artificial sweeteners, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in groundwater, surface water, and drinking water. Many engineered alternative onsite wastewater treatment systems are being designed to mitigate nutrient pollution; however, focus is limited in the presence and fate of organic contaminants in these systems.

Traditional contaminant analysis approaches are often employed to identify and quantify organic contaminants in wastewater, but are limited to pollutants that have already been identified and are suspected to be present. High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) allows researchers to screen for a broader range of known and novel contaminants. Suspect screening of environmental samples often results in increased identifications of previously unknown contaminants that are not regularly monitored in wastewater, including transformation products or degradation products, providing a powerful tool for developing a better understanding of environmental impacts.

The overarching objective of this project is to identify organic contaminants of concern in wastewater influent and treated effluent using both targeted approaches and HRMS suspect screening. This project will provide the opportunity for hands-on experience in mass spectrometry, wastewater analysis, and optimization of chromatographic methods. Prior analytical chemistry experience is not required.

Depending on student interest and project progress, we expect that the student will focus on one or more of the following sub-objectives:

1. Quantification of organophosphate esters and phthalates in influent and effluent of alternative onsite wastewater treatment systems
2. LC-HRMS method development and optimization for the detection of anionic organic contaminants in wastewater samples
3. HRMS suspect screening of wastewater influent and treated effluent for organic contaminants of concern