Center Affiliation and Expertise: Center Member, Water Quality Thematic Area
Non-point source pollutants are the leading cause of water quality degradation. Dr. LeFevre’s research focuses on the biotransformation mechanisms (e.g., plants, bacteria, fungi) of trace organic contaminants to create natural systems-based treatment technologies that improve water quality. Understanding of pollutant transformation processes facilitates low-energy engineered natural treatment systems that are reliable, robust, and resilient. Examples include understanding the fate and transformation of contaminants in stormwater and the use of bioretention systems to capture and degrade pollutants. Additionally, the LeFevre Lab studies pesticide fate and transport in urban and agricultural systems, and fate/impacts of emerging organic contaminants in recycled water in ecosystems and when used for crop irrigation.