Webinar - Tackling Challenges Associated with Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC): Improving Our Understanding of Risk, Fate, Effects and Removal Efficacy

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) pose a particularly thorny problem to environmental scientists and managers. By definition, little is known about their occurrence, toxicity and ultimately their risk, and this uncertainty fuels often active debate in social media. This seminar will present the outcomes of three projects at Griffith University on CEC.

Prof Leusch will present an introduction to ECHIDNA (Emerging Chemicals Database for National Awareness), a carefully curated online resource for information on CEC in water, as well as an introduction to the application of effect-based methods (EBM) for environmental monitoring.

Dr Barraza will present some of his PhD work on the fate and effect of CEC in sea turtles, as indicators of marine health.

Miss Ajaz, who is currently doing her PhD at Griffith Uni, will present the results of a systematic literature review on the efficacy of biological activated carbon (BAC) filters to remove micropollutants from wastewater.

The presentation will be followed by a question and answer session. We will send a unique access link to registrants on the morning of the event.

If you cannot attend on the day, you can still get the benefit, as the session will be recorded and available to view later.

If you have any issues during the registration process, please contact events@landandgroundwater.com for assistance.

About the Presenters:

Dr Arthur Barraza
Griffith University



Dr Arthur Barraza has recently been conferred a PhD from Griffith University, where he studied the effects of contaminants on sea turtle reproduction. Arthur earned his and publish research from his master’s biology degree from the California State University of Long Beach and his bachelor’s degree in biology from the California State University of Fullerton in the US as a full scholar. He is also a Casual Ecologist at the Ecological Service Professionals and Casual Sessional Academic at Griffith University. Arthur is interested in pursuing a career that further investigates the effects of environmental contaminants.

Dr Frederic Leusch
Griffith University




Dr Frederic Leusch is Professor in the School of Environment and Science and Deputy Director of the Australian Rivers Institute at Griffith University in Southeast Queensland. Fred has published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers, and his current research focuses on assessing the impact of environmental contaminants on humans and aquatic ecosystems. He is Associate Editor for the journal Environmental Science & Technology and serves on various national and international committees on issues related trace organic pollutants and drinking and recycled water quality.

Sana Ajaz
Griffith University



Sana Ajaz is a PhD candidate at Griffith University with an interest in innovative and sustainable water treatment solutions, specializing in the removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) from wastewater through biofiltration. Sana earned her master's degree from the University of Arkansas, US and her bachelor's degree from the University of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan. Prior to embarking on her PhD journey in Australia, she gained valuable experience as an environmental specialist and HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) professional in both the UAE and Pakistan.

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