Environmental Sustainability: The Path Forward for Emerging Contaminants

Smoke in the air produced by a polluting industry

Department of Civil, Environmental and Ocean Engineering

Location: ABS 301

Speaker: Fuhar Dixit, Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley

ABSTRACT

Thousands of species of contaminants have been introduced to the environment through commercial and industrial activities. Advancing analytical techniques to identify these pollutants, understanding their fate and transport in the environment, and developing effective treatment technologies are essential for achieving environmental sustainability and protecting our natural resources. In this talk, findings from past and ongoing research will be presented, emphasizing contributions to analytical innovations and treatment solutions for emerging contaminants. Additionally, the vision for future research on emerging contaminants will be outlined, with a focus on potential collaborative opportunities at Stevens Institute of Technology for the remediation of polluted water, soil, and air.

BIOGRAPHY

Portrait of Fuhar Dixit

Dr. Fuhar Dixit is currently a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California Berkeley. His doctoral research focused on the use of anionic ion exchange resins to target toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), algal toxins, and disinfection by-products (DBPs) from drinking water and recycled wastewater. At Berkeley, Dr. Dixit’s research centers on the microbial and chemical transformation of emerging contaminants in the environment. He is currently leading the initiative to develop a standardized total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay for detecting PFAS precursors. Additionally, he plays a leadership role in managing multiple SERDP-funded projects at UC Berkeley. Dr. Dixit also serves on the board of UC Berkeley’s Postdoctoral Entrepreneurial Program, where he enjoys mentoring and supporting startups focused on environmental innovation.