The Weilan Zhang Lab

Advancing Contaminant Research

About the Lab

Our research focuses on:

  1. Environmental risk assessment for emerging contaminants including PFAS and engineered nanomaterials.
     
  2. PFAS treatment techniques such as phytoremediation, hydrothermal liquefaction and adsorption.
     
  3. Transport and fate of emerging contaminants in water and soil.
     
Weilan Zhang working on research in the lab with a row of plants and a fellow researcher.


Our findings enhance understanding of the bioaccumulation of emerging contaminants, clarify their environmental and health implications, and contribute to addressing the pollution challenges they pose.

 

Contact the Weilan Zhang Lab
Weilan Zhang
ETEC 135

1220 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
United States

Our Research

Ongoing and Completed Projects

  • Investigating PFAS bioaccumulation behavior, uptake mechanisms and food quality implications in edible crops, 2025 - 2028
    Role: PI; Funding source: NSF
  • PFAS in land-applied biosolids in agricultural settings: a mechanistic understanding on fate and mitigation, 2024 - 2027
    Role: Co-PI; Funding source: U.S. EPA
  • Assessing and mitigating PFAS contamination risks in surface water due to biosolids land application in the Great Lakes basin, 2024 - 2025
    Role: PI; Funding source: NYS Water Resources Institute (WRI) and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
  • PFAS Assessment, 2022 - 2027
    Role: Co-PI; Funding source: USDA Economic and Policy Analysis Division
  • Collaborative Research: ERASE-PFAS: Stabilization of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances in Sewage Sludge Intended for Land-application, 2022 - 2025
    Role: Co-PI; Funding source: NSF
     
Weilan Zhang team working in the lab.
Current and Previous Research
Area 1: Behavior of PFAS in plant-biosolids-soil systems PFAS in plant-biosolids-soil systems 
Area 1: Behavior of PFAS in plant-biosolids-soil systems PFAS in plant-biosolids-soil systems 

PFAS distribution, fractionation, and transport in biosolids-amended soil, and PFAS effects on the soil ecosystem, etc. 

Soils are displayed with plants. PFAS interaction with soils and plant intake.
Area 2: Plant uptake and bioaccumulation of PFAS
Area 2: Plant uptake and bioaccumulation of PFAS

Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS 

Equipment and processes involved in the visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS including matrix deposition, MALDI Analysis and cryostat sectioning. Three PFAS microsections are displayed.


This research focuses on how PFAS compounds are taken up by plants from contaminated soil and water sources, examining bioaccumulation mechanisms and their environmental and health implications. 

Area 3: Treatment of PFAS Treatment of PFAS 
Area 3: Treatment of PFAS Treatment of PFAS 

Phytoremediation, Hydrothermal liquefaction, Stabilization, Adsorption, etc. 

Phytoremediation, Hydrothermal liquefaction, Stabilization, Adsorption examples shown including plant uptakes and other means of remediation.
Area 4: Interaction between plants and engineered nanomaterials
Area 4: Interaction between plants and engineered nanomaterials
Plants shown with roots exposed to demonstrate how nanomaterials can be absorbed up into the roots and into various parts of plants.
Area 5: Transport and fate of engineered nanomaterials in water and soil
Area 5: Transport and fate of engineered nanomaterials in water and soil
Nanomaterials are showing moving through water and changes in the chemical nature, acidity and electric charge that can occur.
Patents
Lab patents since 2021
Lab patents since 2021
  • Liang, Y., Zhang, W. Enhanced phytoremediation from bioavailability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in contaminated soil. U.S. Patent Application No. 18/655,578. filed on May 6, 2023. Publication No. US20240368049A1.
  • Liang, Y., Jiang, T., Zhang, W. Surfactant-modified montmorillonite for adsorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from aqueous solutions. Patent Application No. PCT/US2023/031130, filed on Aug. 25, 2023. Publication No. WO2024049709A1.
  • Liang, Y., Zhang, W. Methods and systems for eliminating environmental contaminants using biomass. U.S. Patent Application No. US17/466,008, filed on Sept. 3, 2021. Publication No. US20220062843A1.

Publications & Talks

Journal Papers
Journal Papers

2025

  • Kharel, M., Tian, M., Vu, T., Miao, Y., Zhang, W. PFAS in Plant-biosolids-soil systems: distribution, fractionation, and effects on soil microbial communities. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2025, 497: 139754. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139754.
  • Zuo, Y., Zhang, W. Visualization and spatial mapping of PFAS in the edible storage root of radish. Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. 2025, 6: 100141. DOI: 10.1016/j.hazl.2025.100141.

2024

  • Ilango, A.K., Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by Conservation Reserve Program's seed mix in biosolids-amended soil. Environmental Pollution. 2024, 363: 125235. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125235.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Impact of four surfactants on the uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by red fescue grass. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 2024, 27(1): 13-22. DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2024.2394903.
  • Bian, Y., Leininger, A.M., Zhang, W., Liang, Y., Ren, Z.J. Co-valorization of food waste and CO2 to produce volatile fatty acids using liter-scale tubular microbial electrosynthesis cells. ACS ES&T Engineering. 2024, 4(9): 2243-2251. DOI: 10.1021/acsestengg.4c00218.
  • Pervez, M.N., Jiang, T., Mahato, J.K., Ilango, A.K., Kumaran, Y., Zuo, Y., Zhang, W., Efstathiadis, H., Feldblyum, J., Yigit, M., Liang, Y. Surface modification of graphene oxide for fast removal of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mixtures from river water. ACS ES&T Water. 2024, 4(7): 2968-2980. DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.4c00187.
  • Jiang, T., Pervez, M.N., Ilango, A.K., Ravi, Y.K., Zhang, W., Feldblyum, J., Yigit, M.V., Efstathiadis, H., Liang, Y. Magnetic surfactant-modified clay for enhanced adsorption of mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in snowmelt: Improving practical applicability and efficiency. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2024, 471: 134390. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134390.
  • Nason, S.L., Thomas, S., Stanley, C., Silliboy, R., Blumenthal, M., Zhang, W., Liang, Y., Jones, J.P., Zuverza-Mena, N., White, J.C., Haynes, C.L., Vasiliou, V., Timko, M.P., Berger, B.W. A comprehensive trial on PFAS remediation: hemp phytoextraction and PFAS degradation in harvested plants. Environmental Science: Advances. 2024, 3: 304-313. DOI: 10.1039/D3VA00340J.

2023

  • Ilango, A., Jiang, T., Zhang, W., Pervez, M.N., Feldblyum, J., Efstathiadis, H., Liang, Y. Enhanced adsorption of mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water by chemically modified activated carbon. ACS ES&T Water. 2023, 3(11): 3708-3715. DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.3c00483.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. The wide presence of fluorinated compounds in common chemical products and the environment: a review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2023, 30: 108393-108410. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30033-6.
  • Jiang, T., Pervez, M. N., Quianes, M. M., Zhang, W., Naddeo, V., Liang, Y. Effective stabilization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) precursors in wastewater treatment sludge by surfactant-modified clay. Chemosphere. 2023, 341: 140081 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140081.
  • Kang, S.B., Wang, Z., Zhang, W., Kim, K., Won, S.W. Removal of short- and long-chain PFAS from aquatic systems using electrostatic attraction of polyethylenimine-polyvinyl chloride electrospun nanofiber adsorbent. Separation and Purification Technology. 2023, 326: 124853. DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2023.124853.
  • Ilango, A., Jiang, T., Zhang, W., Feldblyum, J., Efstatthiadis, H., Liang, Y. Surface-modified biopolymers for removing mixtures of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances from water: Screening and removal mechanisms. Environmental Pollution. 2023, 331: 121865. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121865.
  • Wang, X., Zhang, W., Ma, X. Effects of physicochemical properties and co-existing zinc agrochemicals on the uptake and phytotoxicity of PFOA and GenX in lettuce. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2023, 30(15): 43833-43842. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25435-5.

2022

  • Zhang, W., Wellington, T., Liang, Y. Effect of two sorbents on the uptake and transformation of N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N-EtFOSAA) in soybean. Environmental Pollution. 2022, 318: 120941. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120941.
  • Ravi, Y., Zhang, W., Yanna Liang, Y. Effect of surfactant assisted ultrasonic pretreatment on production of volatile fatty acids from mixed food waste. Bioresource Technology. 2022, 368: 128340. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128340.
  • Jiang, T., Zhang, W., Ilango, A., Feldblyum, J. Wei, Z., Efstathiadis, H., Yigit, M., Liang, Y. Surfactant-modified clay for adsorption of mixtures of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous solutions. ACS Applied Engineering Materials. 2022, 1(1): 394-407. DOI: 10.1021/acsaenm.2c00096.
  • Zhang, W., Tran, N., Liang, Y. Uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by soybean across two generations. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances. 2022, 8: 100170. DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100170.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Changing bioavailability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to plant in biosolids amended soil through stabilization or mobilization. Environmental Pollution. 2022, 308: 119724. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119724.
  • Jiang, T., Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Uptake of individual and mixed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by soybean and their effects on functional genes related to nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen fixation. Science of the Total Environment. 2022, 838: 156640. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156640.
  • Zhang, W., Jiang, T., Liang, Y. Stabilization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sewage sludge using different sorbents. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances. 2022, 6: 100089. DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100089.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Performance of different sorbents toward stabilizing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil. Environmental Advances. 2022, 8: 100217. DOI: 10.1016/j.envadv.2022.100217.
  • Zhang, W., Sharifan, H., Ma, X. Editorial: Occurrence, fate, and treatment of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the environment and engineered systems. Frontiers in Environmental Science. 2022, 10: 880059. DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.880059.

2021

  • Cao, H., Zhang, W., Wang, C., Liang, Y., Sun, H. Photodegradation of F-53B in aqueous solutions through an UV/Iodide system. Chemosphere. 2022, 292: 133436. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133436.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge — effect of four reagents on relevant parameters related to biocrude and PFAS. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 2022, 10: 107092. DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.107092.
  • Jiang, T., Geisler, M., Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Fluoroalkylether compounds affect microbial community structures and abundance of nitrogen cycle-related genes in soil-microbe-plant systems. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2021, 228: 113033. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.113033.
  • Xiao, Y., Zan, F., Zhang, W., Hao, T. Alleviating nutrient imbalance of low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio food waste in anaerobic digestion by controlling the inoculum-to-substrate ratio. Bioresource Technology, 2022, 346: 126342. DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126342.
  • Zhang, W., Zhang, Q., Liang, Y. Ineffectiveness of ultrasound at low frequency for treating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge. Chemosphere. 2022, 286: 131748. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131748.
  • Wang, X., Liu, L., Zhang, W., Ma, X. Prediction of plant uptake and translocation of engineered metallic nanoparticles by machine learning. Environmental Science & Technology. 2021, 55(11): 7491-7500. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01603.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Effects of hydrothermal treatments on destruction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sewage sludge. Environmental Pollution. 2021, 285: 117276. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117276.
  • Zhang, W., Cao, H., Liang, Y. Degradation by hydrothermal liquefaction of fluoroalkylether compounds accumulated in cattails (Typha latifolia). Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 2021, 9(4): 105363. DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.105363.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Interactions between Lemna minor and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTSA). Chemosphere. 2021, 276: 130165. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130165.
  • Zhang, W., Cao, H., Liang, Y. Plant uptake and soil fractionation of five ether-PFAS in plant-soil systems. Science of the Total Environment. 2021, 771: 144805. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144805.

2020

  • Zhang, W., Cao, H., Liang, Y. Optimization of thermal pretreatment of food waste for maximal solubilization. Journal of Environmental Engineering. 2021, 147(4): 04021010. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001869.
  • Zhang, W., Cao, H., Subramanya, S.M., Savage, P., Liang, Y. Destruction of perfluoroalkyl acids accumulated in Typha latifolia through hydrothermal liquefaction. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 2020, 8(25): 9257-9262. DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c03249.
  • Zhang, W., Efstathiadis, H., Li, L., Liang, Y. Environmental factors affecting degradation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by In2O3 nanoparticles. Journal of Environmental Sciences. 2020, 93: 48-56. DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2020.02.028.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Removal of eight perfluoroalkyl acids from aqueous solutions by aeration and duckweed. Science of the Total Environment. 2020, 724: 138357. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138357.
  • Fox, J., Capen, J., Zhang, W., Ma, X., Rossi, L. Effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles and cadmium on corn (Zea mays L.) seedlings physiology and root anatomy. NanoImpact. 2020, 20: 100264. DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2020.100264.
  • Cao, H., Zhang, W., Wang, C., Liang, Y. Sonochemical degradation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances - a review. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry. 2020, 69: 105245. DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2020.105245.

2019

  • Zhang, W., Zhang, D., Zagorevski, D., Liang, Y. Exposure of Juncus effusus to seven perfluoroalkyl acids: uptake, accumulation and phytotoxicity. Chemosphere. 2019, 233: 300-308. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.258.
  • Zhang, W., Yu, Z., Rao, P., Lo, I.M.C. Uptake and toxicity studies of magnetic TiO2-based nanophotocatalyst in Arabidopsis thaliana. Chemosphere. 2019, 224: 658-667. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.161.
  • Zhang, W., Zhang, D., Liang, Y. Nanotechnology in remediation of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances: a review. Environmental Pollution. 2019, 247: 266-276. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.045.
  • Yu, Z., Huang, J., Hu, L., Zhang, W., Lo, I.M.C., Effects of geochemical conditions, surface modification, and arsenic (As) loadings on As release from As-loaded nano zero-valent iron in simulated groundwater. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. 2019, 5: 28-38. DOI: 10.1039/C8EW00757H.
  • Zhang, D., Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Sorption of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) onto granular activated carbon and biochar. Environmental Technology. 2019, 43(5): 2193-2202. DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2019.1680744.
  • Zhang, D., Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Distribution of eight perfluoroalkyl acids in plant-soil-water systems and their effect on the soil microbial community. Science of the Total Environment. 2019, 697: 134146. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134146.
  • Zhang, D., Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Adsorption of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from aqueous solution - A review. Science of the Total Environment. 2019, 694: 133606. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133606.
  • Zhang, D., Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Bacterial community in a freshwater pond responding to the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Environmental Technology. 2019, 41(27), 3646-3656. DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2019.1616828.
  • Rossi, L., Bagheri, M., Zhang, W., Chen, Z., Burken, J., Ma, X. Using artificial neural network to investigate physiological changes and cerium oxide nanoparticles and cadmium uptake by Brassica napus plants. Environmental Pollution. 2019, 246: 381-389. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.12.029.

2018

  • Zhang, W., Lo, I.M.C., Hu, L., Voon, C., Lim, B., Versaw, W. Environmental risks of nano zerovalent iron for arsenate remediation: impacts on cytosolic levels of inorganic phosphate and MgATP2- in Arabidopsis thaliana. Environmental Science & Technology. 2018, 52: 4385-4392. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b06697.
  • Zhang, W., Schwab, P., White, J., Ma, X. Impact of nanoparticles surface properties on the attachment of cerium oxide nanoparticles to sand and kaolin. Journal of Environmental Quality. 2018, 47: 129-138. DOI: 10.2134/jeq2017.07.0284.
  • Stowers, C., King, M., Rossi, L., Zhang, W., Arya, A., Ma, X. Initial sterilization of soil affected interactions of cerium oxide nanoparticles and soybean seedlings (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in a greenhouse study. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 2018, 6(8): 10307-10314. DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b01654.
  • Rossi, L., Sharifan, H., Zhang, W., Schwab, P., Ma, X. Mutual effects and in-planta speciation of cerium oxide nanoparticles and cadmium in hydroponically grown soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Environmental Science: Nano. 2018, 5: 150-157. DOI: 10.1039/C7EN00931C.
  • Cao, Z., Rossi, L., Stowers, C., Zhang, W., Lombardini, L., Ma, X. The impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles on the physiology of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) under different soil moisture conditions. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2018, 25(1): 930-939. DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0501-5.

2017

  • Zhang, W., Dan, Y., Shi, H., Ma, X. Elucidating the mechanisms for plant uptake and in-planta speciation of cerium in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) treated with cerium oxide nanoparticles. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 2017, 5(1): 572-577. DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2016.12.036.
  • Zhang, W., Musante, C., White, J. C., Schwab, P., Wang, Q., Ebbs, S. D., Ma, X. Bioavailability of cerium oxide nanoparticles to Raphanus sativus L. in two soils. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. 2017, 110: 185-193. DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2015.12.013.
  • Rossi, L., Zhang, W., Schwab, P., Ma, X. Uptake, accumulation and in-planta distribution of co-existing cadmium and cerium oxide nanoparticles in Glycine max (L.) Merr.. Environmental Science & Technology. 2017, 51(21): 12815-12824. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b03363.
  • Rossi, L., Zhang, W., Ma, X. Cerium oxide nanoparticles alter the salt stress tolerance of Brassica napus L. by modifying of the formation of root apoplastic barriers. Environmental Pollution. 2017, 229: 132-138. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.05.083.
  • Cao, Z., Stowers, C., Rossi, L., Zhang, W., Lombardini, L., Ma, X. Physiological effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on the photosynthesis and water use efficiency of Soybean (Glycine max L.). Environmental Science Nano. 2017, 4: 1086-1094. DOI: 10.1039/C7EN00015D.

2016

  • Zhang, W., Dan, Y., Shi, H., Ma, X. Effects of aging on the fate and bioavailability of cerium oxide nanoparticles to radish (Raphanus sativus L.) in soil. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 2016, 4(10): 5424-5431. DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.6b00724.
  • Rossi, L., Zhang, W., Lombardini, L., Ma, X. The impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles on the salt stress responses of Brassica napus L. Environmental Pollution. 2016, 219: 28-36. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.060.
  • Dan, Y., Ma, X., Zhang, W., Liu, K., Stephan, C., Shi, H. Single particle ICP-MS method development for the determination of plant uptake and accumulation of CeO2 nanoparticles. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 2016, 408: 5157-5167. DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9565-1.

2015

  • Zhang, W., Ebbs, S. D., Musante, C., White, J. C., Gao, C., Ma, X. Uptake and accumulation of bulk and nanosized cerium oxide particles and ionic cerium by radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2015, 63(2): 382-390. DOI: 10.1021/jf5052442.
  • Ma, X., Wang, Q., Rossi, L., Zhang, W. Cerium oxide nanoparticles and bulk cerium oxide lead to different physiological and biochemical adjustments in Brassica rapa. Environmental Science & Technology. 2015, 50(13): 6793-6802. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b04111.
  • Dan, Y., Zhang, W., Xue, R., Ma, X., Stephan, C., & Shi, H. Characterization of gold nanoparticle uptake by tomato plants using enzymatic extraction followed by single-particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Environmental Science & Technology. 2015, 49(5): 3007-3014. DOI: 10.1021/es506179e.
Conference Papers
Conference Papers
  • Zhang, W. New insights into PFAS bioaccumulation: imaging and spatial analysis in edible radish roots. 2025 AEESP Research & Education Conference. May 20-22, 2025, Durham, N.C.
  • Kharel, M. Zhang, W. Assessing PFAS behavior in vegetated soils amended with Class A and Class B biosolids. 2025 AEESP Research & Education Conference. May 20-22, 2025, Durham, N.C.
  • Al-Farsi, M. Kharel, M. Zhang, W. PFAS release from biosolids in a soil-biosolids-plant system. UAlbany Showcase 2025. April 30, 2025. Albany, N.Y.
  • Tata, S. Kharel, M. Zhang, W. Assessing PFAS contamination in soil due to biosolids land application. UAlbany Showcase 2025. April 30, 2025. Albany, N.Y.
  • Zhang, W. Impact of four different surfactants on the uptake of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by red fescue. Northeast Conference on The Science of PFAS: Public Health & The Environment. April 3, 2024. Marlboro, Mass.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Stabilization of PFAS in soil-plants systems using sorbents. 2023 AEESP Research & Education Conference. June 20-23, 2023, Boston, Mass.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Performance of different sorbents toward stabilizing PFAS in sewage sludge/biosolids. ACS Fall 2022. August 21-25, 2022, Chicago, Ill.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Phytoremediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) followed by hydrothermal liquefaction. The Institute of Biological Engineering Annual Conference, April 7-9, 2022, Athens, Ga.
  • Zhang, W., Liang, Y. Distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a soil-microbe-soybean system and their effects on functional genes involved in nitrogen fixation, nitrification and denitrification. The Institute of Biological Engineering Annual Conference, April 7-9, 2022, Athens, Ga.
  • Zhang, W., Ma, X. Characterizing the physicochemical properties of bulk cerium oxide, cerium oxide nanoparticles and ionic cerium following their uptake by radish (Raphanus sativus L.). 5th Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization Conference, Nov. 10-12, 2016, Orlando, Fla.
  • Zhang, W., Ma, X. The effect of aging on the bioavailability of cerium oxide nanoparticles to Raphanus sativus L. 12th International Phytotechnologies Conference, Sept. 27-30, 2015, Manhattan, Kan.
  • Zhang, W., Ebbs, S., Ma, X. Uptake and accumulation of bulk and nanosized cerium oxide particles and ionic cerium by radish (Raphanus sativus L.). 10th International Phytotechnologies Conference, Oct. 1-4, 2013, Syracuse, N.Y.
  • Zhang, W., Ma, X. Uptake and accumulation of cerium oxide nanoparticles by radish in hydroponic systems. 18th Mid-American Environmental Engineering Conference, Sept. 21, 2013, St. Louis, Mo.
  • Zhang, W., Chevalier, L. R., DeVantier, B. A. Modeling total suspended solids in combined sewer systems. 17th Mid-American Environmental Engineering Conference. Oct. 20, 2012, Edwardsville, Ill.
Invited Talks
Invited Talks
  • Zhang, W. PFAS in soils amended with biosolids: risk assessment and remediation approaches. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Professional Engineering Continuing Education (PE CE) Seminar. June 2, 2025.
  • Zhang, W. Risk assessment and sustainable remediation strategies for soil receiving PFAS-laden biosolids. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso. Nov. 15, 2024.
  • Zhang, W. Advancing leaders through innovation. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation AANHPI Lunch and Learn. May 31, 2024.
  • Zhang, W. Stabilization of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sewage sludge and biosolids. Eastern New York Chapter, Air & Waste Management Association. Sept. 14, 2022.
  • Zhang, W. Occurrence and treatment of PFAS in the environment and engineered systems. Eastern New York Chapter, Air & Waste Management Association. Jan. 19, 2022.
  • Zhang, W. Occurrence, fate, and treatment of PFAS in the environment and engineered systems. Center for Research in Energy and Environment, Missouri University of Science and Technology. April 20, 2021. Rolla, Mo.

People

Principal Investigator

Weilan Zhang
Weilan Zhang
Assistant Professor
College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering; Department of Environmental & Sustainable Engineering

Current Members

 

Madhav Kharel


Madhav Kharel
PhD student
Research Interests: PFAS treatment


 

 

Amit Lama


Amit Lama
PhD student
Research Interests: Plant uptake of PFAS

 


 

Brayden DiSiena
High school student

 

Previous Members


Master’s student

  • Yuwei Zuo

 

Undergraduate students

  • David Feygin
  • Sridhana Tata
  • Mahmood Al-Farsi


Lab Photo Gallery

  • Group photo of lab members collecting samples in the field.

    Collecting soil samples in the NYS Capital Region as part of 2025 field research.

  • Group photo of lab members collecting samples in in a pond.

    Summer 2024 field sampling in the New York State Great Lakes Basin.

  • Group standing together in ETEC.

    Group photo at the 2024 End-of-Year celebration in the ETEC building.

  • Group at dinner.

    Lab members enjoying dinner.

  • Group at a poster session at ETEC.

    Group showcasing research outcomes at a poster session held in the ETEC facility.

  • Professor Weilan Zhang with team members in the lab.

    Professor Weilan Zhang with team members in the lab.