Where Science Meets Global Survival
Imagine holding a vial of water that contains invisible plastic particles linked to human health risks—or discovering a molecule that could neutralize toxic "forever chemicals" poisoning our ecosystems.
These aren't scenes from sci-fi movies; they're real breakthroughs discussed in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science Seminar Series at institutions like NJIT. As climate change accelerates and pollutants infiltrate every corner of our planet, these seminars have become critical hubs for sharing knowledge that could save our future. By bridging lab discoveries and real-world solutions, they empower scientists to tackle what U.S. News & World Report calls today's most pressing environmental crises 1 .
The Frontlines of Environmental Research
PFAS: The "Forever Chemical" Crisis
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic compounds found in everything from non-stick pans to firefighting foam. They accumulate in our bodies and environment, resisting natural degradation.
Recent seminars highlight groundbreaking work by scientists like Dr. Mohamed Ateia, who transitioned from the U.S. EPA to AECOM in 2025 to develop global PFAS solutions 2 .
Nanoplastics: The Invisible Threat
Micro- and nanoplastics permeate oceans, soil, and even human blood. NJIT researchers recently pioneered a rapid detection method that identifies these particles in seconds—a process that previously took hours 1 .
This innovation uses advanced spectroscopy to track plastic pollution sources and pathways.
Climate Policy and the Circular Economy
Seminars like "Rethinking Climate Policies: The Green New Deal Paradigm" dissect how science can shape policy 7 .
Meanwhile, NJIT's work on the "circular plastic economy" aims to redesign plastics for infinite recyclability, turning waste into resources 1 7 .
Spotlight Experiment: Catching Invisible Plastics in Real Time
The Problem
Detecting nanoplastics is like finding a needle in a haystack. Traditional methods are slow, costly, and miss particles smaller than a micron.
Methodology: How NJIT Scientists Did It
1. Sample Collection
Gather water from diverse sources (ocean, tap, wastewater).
2. Gold Nanoparticle Tagging
Inject samples with gold nanoparticles that bind to plastic surfaces.
3. Raman Spectroscopy
Shine a laser on samples. Plastics "scatter" light uniquely, creating a spectral fingerprint.
4. AI Analysis
Machine learning algorithms compare spectra to a database of known plastics (e.g., PET, polystyrene) 1 .
Detection Speed vs. Traditional Methods
| Method | Time per Sample | Smallest Detectable Size |
|---|---|---|
| NJIT Raman Technique | 10–60 seconds | 0.01 µm |
| Electron Microscopy | 2–4 hours | 0.1 µm |
| Liquid Chromatography | 1–3 hours | 1 µm |
Results and Impact
The technique detected >99% of nanoplastics in tests, even in complex samples like blood or soil. This speed allows real-time pollution monitoring—critical for assessing environmental health risks and policy compliance 1 .
Researchers analyzing water samples for microplastics using advanced spectroscopy techniques
The Scientist's Toolkit: Essential Reagents for Environmental Breakthroughs
| Reagent/Equipment | Function | Example in Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Nanoparticles | Bind to microplastics; enhance optical detection signals. | NJIT's rapid nanoplastic screening 1 |
| PFAS-Specific Sorbents | Capture PFAS molecules from water via electrostatic attraction. | Ateia's regenerable filtration systems 2 |
| High-Resolution Mass Spectrometers | Identify unknown pollutants by molecular weight. | Detecting novel PFAS variants in landfills 2 |
| CRISPR-Based Biosensors | Engineer bacteria to "light up" near contaminants like heavy metals. | Real-time field toxicity tests 1 |
Detection Technologies Comparison
Research Focus Areas
Meet the Innovators: Dr. Mohamed Ateia's Global Mission
Once a leading PFAS researcher at the U.S. EPA, Dr. Mohamed Ateia joined AECOM in June 2025 to "translate cutting-edge science into enterprise-level solutions." His seminars—from South Korea to Qatar—emphasize practical fixes 2 :
- Managing PFAS liability across supply chains
- Bridging gaps between water treatment, environmental science, and policy
His work exemplifies how seminar insights propel science from labs into communities.
Join the Conversation: Upcoming Seminar Highlights
| Date | Speaker & Affiliation | Topic | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | Noel Healy (Salem State University) | Rethinking Climate Policies: The Green New Deal Paradigm 7 | |
| Dec 12, 2024 | NJIT Faculty & Students | End of Semester CES Holiday Gathering 1 | |
| Oct 23, 2024 | Energy & Environmental Science Board | Sustainable Energy Solutions (London) 6 |
Why Attend?
Network
With pioneers like Ateia
Discover
Internships or research roles
Engage
With ACS accreditation topics 1
Conclusion: Science as Our Shared Compass
The Chemistry and Environmental Science Seminar Series isn't just about data—it's a living network where nanoplastics meet policy, and PFAS meet practical remediation.
As NJIT's mission states: "Our program addresses today's pressing environmental and chemical problems" 1 . For students, professionals, or concerned citizens, these talks offer more than knowledge: they provide tools to heal our planet.