Personal profile
Summary
I joined the University of Portsmouth in 2019 to work with the Environmental Technology Group and the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying.
My expertise is environmental analytical chemistry and geochemical characterization of aqueous and solid matrices. Research involves advanced instrumental analysis (ICP-OES, XRF, XRD, SEM, EDS) for quantifying elemental composition, mineral phases, and pollutant concentrations in environmental samples (freshwater, seawater, leachates, soils, and concretes). Experimental work includes adsorption studies, leaching behaviour assessment, and standardized protocols such as dosed column experiments, monolithic tank tests, upflow percolation, and shaken leachate tests. Applications include evaluating contaminant mobility, water quality, and material performance under environmental conditions.
I have further research experience working with biodegradable plastics, plastic polymers and microplastics in complex environmental matrices including their isolation, biodegradation (rapid DR4 method), imaging and characterization using SEM and XRD techniques.
Prior experience in industry, environmental consultancy and the Environment Agency means I have a broad knowledge of the aquatic environment, the pollution pressures it faces from human activities, mitigation and solutions, with a particular focus on ecotoxicology. I have extensive laboratory management experience and managed the implementation of UKAS accreditation for the Environment Agency National Centre for Ecotoxicology and Hazardous Substances.
My PhD thesis (University of Southampton) determined the sustainable use of water to mitigate the impact of watercress farming on chalk streams in Southern England.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
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SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
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SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
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SDG 14 Life Below Water
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SDG 15 Life on Land
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Research output
- 1 Article
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Additively manufacturing bioimitated multi-layered medical composite trauma plates
Chen, J., Dyadyura, K., Hunter-Haas, D., Dixon, M. & Smorodin, A., 25 Nov 2024, (Early online) In: Journal of Composite Materials.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile71 Downloads (Pure)
Projects
- 1 Finished
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MANGA: Monitoring Ammonia and Nitrogenous Greenhouse Gases in Agriculture and Wastewater
Williams, J. (PI), Couceiro, F. (CoI), Roberts, K. (CoI), Dixon, M. (CoI) & Barter, A. (CoI)
1/08/24 → 31/10/25
Project: Research