Welcome to the Environmental Engineering Laboratory (EEL) at the University of Miami!
The Environmental Engineering Laboratory (EEL) is committed to advancing research and education on the intricate connections between the environment and human health. Our projects focus on assessing environmental factors to estimate human exposure in various settings. Key areas of study include:
Key Areas of Study
- Beach Safety: Evaluating risks posed to beachgoers by Sargassum seaweed, including potential exposure to harmful microbes, arsenic, and hydrogen sulfide.
- Landfill Leachates: Investigating human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) originating from landfill leachates.
- Child Safety: Analyzing children's exposure to arsenic from preservative-treated wood during play activities.
Recent Advancements
Recent breakthroughs in wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE), particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have revealed that our environment serves as a vital reservoir of information about public health. By studying wastewater, air, and surfaces, we gain valuable insights into disease transmission within communities. We have successfully employed WBE techniques to track COVID-19 and have broadened our efforts to assess the spread of additional diseases.
