Publications
Welcome to the Center for Clean Water Technology’s scholarly publications hub—a dedicated space for advancing knowledge, innovation, and evidence-based solutions in water science and engineering. Here, you will find a curated collection of peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, policy analyses, and interdisciplinary research addressing the most pressing challenges in water quality, treatment, sustainability, and resource management.
Our work brings together experts from across scientific, engineering, and policy fields to explore cutting-edge technologies and practical strategies that safeguard water systems and protect public health. Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, industry professional, or student, this collection is designed to support informed decision-making, inspire collaboration, and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable and resilient water future.
We invite you to explore, engage with, and build upon the knowledge shared here. For individual scholar profiles please visit our Staff Bios and the University's Research Connect site.
Scholarly Articles
Aghili, S., Rachmani, A., Padhye, L., Baroutian, S. (2026). Thermochemical routes for phosphorus recovery from waste activated sludge: Advances, limits, and pathways to practice. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 14(2), 122136.
Gokhale, D., Cerrón-Calle, G. A., Kim-Fu, M. L., Flores, K., Román Santiago, A., Tsai, S.-W., Aga, D. S., Aich, N., Diallo, M. S., Doudrick, K., Hanigan, D., Hernández Sánchez, R., Howarter, J., Jiang, J., Jones, G. D., Lee, L. S., Liu, H., Manz, K. E., McKenzie, E. R., Padhye, L. P., Sankaran, R. M., Shepard, S. M., Strathmann, T. J., Venkatesan, A. K., Wong, M. S., Leet, R., Speed, D., Field, J. A., Westerhoff, P., & Su, X. (2026). Challenges and Opportunities in PFAS Waste Management for Semiconductor Manufacturing. Environmental Science & Technology.
Shanmugam, V., Kaynak, E., Das, O., Padhye, L. (2026). Environmental performance of bioplastics: degradation pathways, chemical leaching, and life-cycle implications. NPJ Materials & Sustainability, 4(9).
Calvillo Solís, J. J., Favela Robledo, R. R., Sandoval-Pauker, C., Yin, S., Galicia, M., Padhye, L. P., González, Felipe. J., & Villagrán, D. (2025). Electrochemical Reduction of PFOA in Organic Media: A Step toward Environmental Remediation. ACS Electrochemistry, 1(11), 2484–2494.
Chen, S., Wang, M., Wu, M., Lu, Y., Fu, A., Gobler, C., Asato, C., Mao, X. (2025). Greenhouse gas emission and denitrification kinetics of woodchip bioreactors treating onsite wastewater. Water Research, Volume 268, Part A, 122562.
Data, S., Sumaira B., Barker, D., Pignatello, J. J., Kah, M., Leitao, E. M., Padhye, L. P. (2025). Quaternary-Ammonium-Grafted Flax Fibers for Removal and Release of Short-Chain PFAS from Water.ACS ES&T Engineering.
Guo, L., Williams, D. E., Bromberg, L., Padhye, L. P. (2025). Bromate removal in water through electrochemical reduction using Magnéli phase titanium oxide electrode. RSC Advances, 15(14), 10501–10510.
Guo, L., Tahereh J., Williams, D. E., Bromberg, L., Padhye, L. P. (2025). PEDOT Particle Electrodes in a 3D Electrochemical Reactor for Degradation of Organic Contaminants in Water.ACS ES&T Engineering.
Kookana, R. S., Sha, B., Baluyot, J. C., Bowles, K. C., Kah, M., Padhye, L. P., Ying, G. G., Navarro, D., Velarde, M. C., Higgins, C. P., & Cousins, I. T. (2025). Human exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Asia and contributing factors, with a focus on East Asia.Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 27(9), 2614–2635.
Mahyar G., Caubrière, L., Kah, M., & Padhye, L. P. (2025). Tire-Wear Particles and Tire-related Emerging Contaminants: Characteristics, Occurrence, and Toxicity in the Environment.Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, 48(100666).
Padhye, L. P., Kah, M., Leitao, E., Bowles, K., Nathanail, P., Cousins, I. T., Figuière, R., Clarke, B., Partington, J. M., Alghamdi, W. S. A., Sunderland, E., Ruyle, B. J., Endo, S., Brown, T. N., Wang, Z., Zheng, S., Pignatello, J. J., Smith, S. J., Riegel, M., Hatton, J. (2025). The PFAS roadmap – Navigating a path together to improved management. Sustainability Science and Technology. Advance online publication.
Shanmugam, V., Kaynak, E., Das, O., & Padhye, L. P. (2025). The effects of feedstock types and their properties on hydrothermal carbonisation and resulting hydrochar: A review. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 53, 101024.
Smolinski, R., Oates, M., Venkatesan, A., Gobler, C., McDonough, R. (2025) Emerging Investigator Series: Identification and Transformation of PerPolyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Residential Wastewater and Effluent From Alternative Treatment System. Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 27, 1810-1822.
Tang, Y., Wang, M., Venkatesan, A. K., Gobler, C. J., & Mao, X. (2025). Biologically active filtration (BAF) for metabolic 1, 4-dioxane removal from contaminated groundwater.Journal of Hazardous Materials, 490, 137827.
Xu, S., Liu, R., Zhao, L., Padhye, L. P., & Sun, P. (2025). Iodine Species Quantification and Transformation during Chlorination in the Presence of Ammonia. Environmental Science & Technology, 59(34), 18332–18345.
Chen, S., Wang, M., Lin, D., Russo, F.M., Gobler, C., Mao, X. (2024). Biofiltration matrix optimization for efficient nitrogen removal from domestic onsite wastewater. Journal of Water Process Engineering, Volume 60,105208.
Das, A., Reza, A., Chen, L. (2024). Optimization of pollutants removal from anaerobically digested dairy wastewater by electro-oxidation process: a response surface methodology modeling and validation. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, 1-22.
Itumoh, E., Data, S., Chen, J., Kah, M., Padhye, L., Leitao, E. (2024). Addressing the persistence of per- and polyf luoroalkyl substances (PFAS): current challenges and potential solutions. Royal Society of Chemistry.
Londhe, K., Lee, CS., Grdanovska, S., Smolinski, R., Hamdan, N., McDonough, C., Cooper, C., Venkatesan, A., (2024). Application of electron beam technology to decompose per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water. Environmental Pollution, Volume 348, 123770.
Lotfikatouli, S., Pan, Q., Wang, M., Russo, F.M., Gobler, C., Mao, X. (2024). Effective nitrogen removal from onsite wastewater using a sequencing aerated biofilm reactor. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 60,105132.
Maroli, A., Zhang, Y., Lubiantoro, J., Venkatesan, A. (2024). Surfactant-enhanced coagulation and flocculation improves the removal of perfluoroalkyl substances from surface water. Environmental Science: Advances.
Reza, A., Chen, L., Mao, X. (2024). Response surface methodology for process optimization in livestock wastewater treatment: A review. Heliyon, 10, 9, E30326.
Reza, A., Haller, S., Mao, X. (2024). Electrocoagulation as a Remedial Approach for Phosphorus Removal from Onsite Wastewater: A Review. Water, 16(22), 3206.
Reza, A., Toor, U.A., Shim, S. (2024). Advanced and innovative livestock waste treatment technologies for agricultural sustainability. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1407083.
Sapkota, S., Reza, A., Chen, L, (2024). Optimization of Ammonia Nitrogen Removal and Recovery from Raw Liquid Dairy Manure Using Vacuum Thermal Stripping and Acid Absorption Process: A Modeling Approach Using Response Surface Methodology. Nitrogen, 409-425.
Smolinski, R., Clyde, P., Asato, C., Brownawell, B., Gobler, C., McDonough, C.(2024). Removal of Organic Contaminants in On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems: The Role of Sorption and Transformation.ACS EST Water 2024, 4, 9, 4209–421.
Wang, M., Zeng, F., Chen, S., Wehrmann, L., Waugh, S., Brownawell, B., Gobler, C., Mao, X. (2024). Phosphorus Attenuation and Mobilization in Sand Filters Treating Onsite Wastewater. Chemosphere, 143042.
Doherty, A-C, Lee, CS., Meng, Q., Sakano, Y., Noble, A., Grant, K., Esposito, A., Gobler, C., Venkatesan, A.K., (2023). Contribution of household and personal care products to 1,4-dioxane contamination of drinking water.Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health, 31, 100414. ISSN 2468-5844, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2022.100414.
Hill., D., Alazawi, M., Moran, E. J., Bennett, L., Bradley, I., Collins, M., Gobler, C., Green, H., Insaf, T., Kmush, B., Neigel, D., Raymond, S., Wang, M., Ye, Y., Larsen, D. (2023). Wastewater surveillance provides 10-days forecasting of COVID-19 hospitalizations superior to cases and test positivity: A prediction study. Infectious Disease Modelling, Vol. 8, Iss. 4, pp. 1138-1150.
Lee, CS., Wang, M., Nanjappa, D., Lu, Y., Meliker, J., Clouston, S., Gobler, C., Venkatesan, C. (2023). Monitoring of over-the-counter (OTC) and COVID-19 treatment drugs complement wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
Lee, CS., Wang, M., Clyde, P., Mao, X., Brownawell, B., Venkatesan, A. (2023). 1,4-Dioxane removal in nitrifying sand filters treating domestic wastewater: Influence of water matrix and microbial inhibitors. Chemosphere,324, 138304.
Lee, CS., Londhe, K., Grdanovska, S., Cooper, C., Venkatesan, A. (2023). Emerging investigator series: low doses of electron beam irradiation effectively degrade 1,4-dioxane in water within a few seconds.Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. DOI:10.1039/D3EW00111C
Li, D., Lee, CS., Zhang, Y., Das, R., Akter, F., Venkatesan, A.K., Hsiao, B. (2023). Efficient removal of short-chain and long-chain PFAS by cationic nanocellulose. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 18.
Lusty, M., Gobler, C. (2023). Repeated hydrogen peroxide dosing briefly reduces cyanobacterial blooms and microcystin while increasing fecal bacteria indicators in a eutrophic pond. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 124,522-543.
Maleki Shahraki, Z., Wang, M., Zhao, Y., Orlov, A., Mao, X. (2023). Nitrogen Removal Mechanisms in Biochar-Amended Sand Filters Treating Onsite Wastewater. Journal of Environmental Quality, 107, 955–969. DOI:10.1002/jeq2.20447
Tang, Y., Mao, X., (2023). Recent Advances in 1,4-Dioxane Removal Technologies for Water and Wastewater Treatment.Water 2023, 15, 1535. DOI:10.3390/w15081535
Tang, Y., Wang, M., Lee, CS, Venkatesan, A., Mao, X. (2023). Characterization of 1,4-dioxane degrading microbial community enriched from uncontaminated soil. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. DOI 10.1007/s00253-023-12363-0
Zhang, Y., Thomas, A., Apul, O., Venkatesan, A. (2023). Coexisting ions and long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) inhibit the adsorption of short-chain PFAS by granular activated carbon. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 460, 132378.
Chen, S., Wang, M., Russo, F.M., Gobler, C., Mao, X. (2022). Efficient nitrogen removal from onsite wastewater by a novel continuous flow biofilter. Chemosphere,300, 134642.
Chen, S., Wang, M., Asato, C., Mao, X. (2022). Characterization, Transformation, and Bioavailability of Dissolved Organic Nitrogen in Biofilters Treating Domestic Onsite Wastewater. ACS ES&T Water, 2(9), 1575–1583.
Langlois, K., Collier, J. (2022). Matrix-Associated Microbial Communities In A Nitrogen-Removing On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Are Largely Structured By Niche Processes.Journal of Environmental Quality, 52(1), 35-48.
Londhe, K., Lee, CS., McDonough, C., Venkatesan, A. (2022). The Need for Testing Isomer Profiles of Perfluoroalkyl Substances to Evaluate Treatment Processes. Environmental Science & Technology.
Lowe, M., Qin, R., Mao, X. (2022). A review on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and smart technology in water treatment and monitoring. Water, 14(9), 1384.
Maleki Shahraki, Z., Mao, X. (2022). Biochar application in biofiltration systems to remove nutrients, pathogens and pharmaceutical and personal care products from wastewater.Journal of Environmental Quality, 51, 2.
Nyer, S. C., Volkenborn, N., Aller, R. C., Graffam, M., Zhu, Q., Price, R. E. (2022). Nitrogen transformations in constructed wetlands:
A closer look at plant-soil interactions using chemical imaging. Science of The Total Environment, 816, 151560.
Venkatesan, A., Lee, CS., Gobler, C. (2022). Hydroxyl-radical based advanced oxidation processes can increase perfluoroalkyl substances beyond drinking water standards: Results from a pilot study. Science of the Total Environment, 847, 157577.
Yang, M., Lotfikatouli, S., Chen, Y., Li, T., Ma, H., Mao, X., Hsiao, B. (2022). Nanostructured all-cellulose membranes for efficient ultrafiltration of wastewater. Journal of Membrane Science, 650, 120422.
Young, C., Sylvers, L., Tomasetti, S., Lundstrum, A., Schenone, C., Doall, M., Gobler, C. (2022). Kelp (Saccharina latissima) Mitigates Coastal Ocean Acidification and Increases the Growth of North Atlantic Bivalves in Lab Experiments and on an Oyster Farm.Front. Mar. Sci. 9:881254. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.881254.
Clyde, P., Lee, C., Price, R., Venkatesan, A., Brownawell, B. (2021). Occurrence and Removal of PPCPs from On-site Wastewater Using Nitrogen Removing Biofilters.Water Research, 206, 117743.
Gobler, C., Waugh, S., Asato, C., Clyde, P., Nyer, S., Graffam, M., Brownawell, B., Venkatesan, A., Goleski, J., Price, R., Mao, X., Russo, F., Heufelder, G., Walker, H. (2021). Removing 80%–90% of Nitrogen and Organic Contaminants with Three Distinct Passive, Lignocellulose-Based On-site Septic Systems Receiving Municipal and Residential Wastewater. Ecological Engineering, 161, 106157.
Lee, C.-S., Asato, C., Wang, M., Mao, X., Gobler, C., Venkatesan, A. (2021). Removal of 1,4-dioxane During On-Site Wastewater Treatment Using Nitrogen Removing Biofilters.Science of the Total Environment, 771, 144806.
Li, D., Londhe, K., Chi, D., Lee, C.-S., Venkatesan, A., Hsiao, B. (2021). Functionalized Bio-adsorbents for Removal of Perfluoroalkyl Substances: A Perspective. AWWA Water Science. DOI: 10.1002/aws2.1258.
Londhe, K., Lee, C., Zhang, Y., Grdanovska, S., Kroc, T., Cooper, C., Venkatesan, A. (2021). Energy Evaluation of Electron Beam Treatment of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Water: A Critical Review. ACS ES&T Engineering.
Lotfikatouli, S., Hadi, P., Yang, M., Walker, H., Hsiao, B., Gobler, C., Reichel, M., Mao, X., (2021). Enhanced anti-fouling performance in Membrane Bioreactors using a novel cellulose nanofiber-coated membrane . Separation and Purification Technology, 119145.
Maleki Shahraki, Z., Wang, M., Walker, H., Russo, F., Gobler, C., Heufelder, G., Mao, X., (2021). A mechanistic understanding of the nitrification sand layer performance in a nitrogen removing biofilter (NRB) treating onsite wastewater. Ecological Engineering, 106257.
Nyer, S., Volkenborn, N., Aller, R., Graffam, M., Zhu, Q., Price, R. (2021). Nitrogen transformations in constructed wetlands: A closer look at plant-soil interactions using chemical imaging. Science of the Total Environment, 151560.
Sonmez Baghirzade, B., Zhang, Y., Reuther, J., Saleh, N., Venkatesan, A., Apul, O. (2021). Thermal Regeneration of Spent Granular Activated Carbon Presents an Opportunity to Break the Forever PFAS Cycle.Environmental Science & Technology.
Tang, Y., Lee, C.-S., Walker, H., Gobler, C., Apul, O., Venkatesan, A., Mao, X. (2021). Effect of residual H2O2 on the removal of advanced oxidation byproducts by two types of granular activated carbon. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 106838.
Wang, M., Zhu, J., Mao, X. (2021). Removal of Pathogens in Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: A Review of Design Considerations and Influencing Factors.Water, 13, 1190.
Graffam, M., Paulsen, R., Volkenborn, N. (2020). Hydro-biogeochemical Processes and Nitrogen Removal Potential of a Tidally Influenced Permeable Reactive Barrier Behind a Perforated Marine Bulkhead. Ecological Engineering, 155, 105933.
Graffam, M., Polerecky, L., Volkenborn, N. (2020). Hydrobiogeochemical Function of Soil Based Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems: Insights from High-Resolution O2 Imaging.Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment, 6, 2.
Langlois, K., Gobler, C., Walker, H., Collier, J. (2020). Microbial Communities in Partially and Fully Treated Effluent of Three Nitrogen-Removing Biofilters. Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment, 6, 2.
Lee, C.-S., Venkatesan, A.K., Walker, H.W. and Gobler, C.J., (2020). Impact of groundwater quality and associated byproduct formation during UV/hydrogen peroxide treatment of 1,4-dioxane. Water Research, 173, 115534.
Mao, X., Myavagh, P., Lotfikatouli, S., Hsiao, B., Walker, H. (2020). Membrane Bioreactors for Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater: A Review, Journal of Environmental Engineering , 146, 5.
Tomasetti, S., Gobler, C., (2020). Dissolved oxygen and pH criteria leave fiseries at risk. Science, 368, 6489, pp. 372-373.
Waugh, S., Mao, X., Heufelder, G., Walker, H., Gobler, C. (2020). Nitrogen Transformations and Microbial Characterization of Soils from Passive Nitrogen Removing Biofilters. Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment, 6, 2.
Wehrmann, L., Lee, J., Price, R., Heufelder, G., Walker, H., Gobler, C. (2020). Biogeochemical Sequestration of Phorphorus in a Two-Layer Lignocellulose-Based Soil Treatment System.Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment, 6, 2.
Dognani, G., Hadi, P., Ma, H., Cabrera, F., Job, A., Agostini, D., Hsiao, B. (2019). Effective chromium removal from water by polyaniline-coated electrospun adsorbent membrane. Chemical Engineering Journal, 372, pp. 341-351.
Hadi, P., Yang, M., Ma, H., Huang, X., Walker, H., Hsiao, B. (2019). Biofouling-resistant nanocellulose layer in hierarchical polymeric membranes: Synthesis, characterization and performance. Journal of Membrane Science, 579, 162-171.
Li, N., Zheng, J., Hadi, P., Yang, M., Huang, X., Ma, H., Walker, H., Hsiao B. (2019). Synthesis and characterization of a high flux nanocellulose-cellulose acetate nanocomposite membrane. Membranes, 9, 70.
Maleki Shahraki, Z., Mao, X., Waugh, S., Lotfikatouli, S., Walker, H., Gobler, C., Wanlass, J. (2019). Potential release of legacy nitrogen from soil surrounding onsite wastewater leaching pools. Water Research, 169.
Waugh S., Mao, X., Walker, H., Gobler, C. (2018). Characterizing nitrogen transformation processes in nitrogen removing biofilters for onsite wastewater treatment. Proceedings of Water Environment Federation Nutrient Removal and Recovery Conference, Rayleigh, NC.