Degrees:

• Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2012
• M.S. Environmental Science and Engineering, Singapore Stanford Partnership, 2007
• B.S. Environmental Science, Tongji University, 2006

Research Interests:

• Occurrence and fate of organic contaminants
• Formation and control of disinfection byproducts
• Public health implications of water reuse
• Environmental impacts of energy production

Current Research:

Our group combines controlled laboratory experiments with field work to study chemical processes occurring across diverse natural and engineered aquatic environments. Our recent work focuses on: (1) assessing transformation processes of organic contaminants and their interactions with dissolved and particulate constituents in natural waters and (2) characterizing sources of harmful byproducts to minimize their formation during drinking water purification and wastewater recycling. Our goal is to promote water sustainability while protecting public health.

Teaching Interests:

• Aquatic chemistry
• Water quality analysis
• Environmental organic chemistry
• Physical and chemical treatment processes

Recent Publications:

LoRusso, N. A.; Bailey, S. W.; Zeng, T.; Montesdeoca, M.; Driscoll, C. T., Dissolved organic matter dynamics in reference and calcium silicate-treated watersheds at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH, USA. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, 2021. DOI: 10.1029/2021JG006352.

Kurtz, T.; Zeng, T.; Rosario-Ortiz, F. L., Photodegradation of cyanotoxins in surface waters. Water Research, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.116804.

Wang, S.; Green, H. C.; Wilder, M. L.; Qian, D.; Kmush, B. L.; Collins, M. B.; Larsen, D. A.; Zeng, T., High-throughput wastewater analysis for substance use assessment in central New York during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 2020. DOI: 10.1039/D0EM00377H.

Wasswa, J.; Driscoll, C. T.; Zeng, T., Photochemical characterization of surface waters from lakes in the Adirondack Region of New York.

Wang, S.; Matt, M.; Murphy, B. L.; Perkins, M.; Matthews, D. A.; Moran, S. D.; Zeng, T., Organic micropollutants in New York lakes: A statewide citizen science occurrence study. Environmental Science & Technology, 2020. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04775.

Zeng, T.; Mitch, W. A., Impact of nitrification on the formation of N-nitrosamines and halogenated disinfection byproducts within distribution system storage facilities. Environmental Science & Technology, 2016, 50, 2964–2973.

Zeng, T.; Plewa, M. J.; Mitch, W. A., N-Nitrosamines and halogenated disinfection byproducts in U.S. full advanced treatment trains for potable reuse. Water Research, 2016, 101, 176–186.

Zeng, T.; Mitch, W. A., Contribution of N-nitrosamines and their precursors to domestic sewage by greywaters and blackwaters. Environmental Science & Technology, 2015, 49, 13158–13167.

Zeng, T.; Pignatello, J. J.; Li, R. J.; Mitch, W. A., Synthesis and application of a quaternary phosphonium polymer coagulant to avoid N–nitrosamine formation. Environmental Science & Technology, 2014, 48, 13392–13401.

Zeng, T.; Wilson, C. J.; Mitch, W. A., Effect of chemical oxidation on the sorption tendency of dissolved organic matter to a model hydrophobic surface. Environmental Science & Technology, 2014, 48, 5118–5126.

Zeng, T.; Arnold, W. A., Pesticide photolysis in prairie potholes: Probing photosensitized processes. Environmental Science & Technology, 2013, 47, 6735–6745.

Zeng, T.; Arnold, W. A.; Toner, B. M., Microscale characterization of sulfur speciation in lake sediments, Environmental Science & Technology, 2013, 47, 1287–1296.

Zeng, T.; Chin, Y. P.; Arnold, W. A., Potential for abiotic reduction of pesticides in prairie pothole porewaters. Environmental Science & Technology, 2012, 46, 3177–3187.