Contaminant Transport in Urban Environments

By 2030, approximately 9% of the world’s population is expected to reside in megacities (World Economic Forum), while only 2% of global farming will occur in urban areas (Bren d’Amour et al., 2016). Urban gardens are increasingly important for enhancing food security, reducing carbon footprints, promoting socio-economic growth, and supporting both physical and mental well-being. With the global urban farming market projected to grow at a CAGR of ~7.88%, reaching an estimated $290 billion by 2032, urban gardens are poised to play a crucial role in sustaining urban life both now and in the future.

My PhD Research

However, urban gardens are particularly susceptible to contamination, especially in proximity to Superfund Sites. My research focuses on investigating the distribution of heavy metals and microplastics in urban gardens, understanding their transport mechanisms, assessing their toxicity to human health, and developing strategies to mitigate these challenges. The ultimate goal is to improve the management, productivity, and long-term sustainability of urban gardens.

Investigating Rapid Water Flow in Soil to Inform Future Contaminant Studies

Macropores drive preferential flow, rapidly moving water and contaminants through soil. This research uses remote sensing to identify these events across the United States, supporting better land and water management.

Analysis of Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, and Lead Levels: Interplay of Climate, Soil, and Human Factors in Urban Gardens

This study maps heavy metal contamination in urban garden soils across major Texas cities, identifying key drivers such as proximity to city centers, soil carbon, and clay content to support safer urban agriculture and land management.

Characterizing Cadmium Sorption and Bioavailability in Texas Urban Gardens

This study reveals how cadmium mobility in urban garden soils depends on soil composition and contamination sources, showing that clay, carbon, and iron content, not total metal levels alone, control risk and inform safer urban land management.