Emerging Contaminants
Advanced characterization and transformation pathways for PFAS, halogenated organics, and other persistent pollutants.
Environmental Engineer / Researcher / Teacher
Hello, I am
Dr. Srinidhi Lokesh
Research Scientist in Water Systems & Emerging Contaminants
I advance the discovery and transformation of emerging contaminants to strengthen the resilience of water and infrastructure systems affected by wildfires. My research focuses on redox-mediated degradation pathways, advanced analytical methods, and treatment technologies for climate-driven disturbances.
- Publications
- 15
- Years active
- 10+
- Funding secured
- $2.73M
About
Advancing water system resilience through emerging contaminant research.
As an environmental engineer, my research advances the discovery, characterization, and transformation of emerging contaminants to strengthen the resilience of water and infrastructure systems affected by wildfires. I focus on redox-mediated degradation pathways of persistent pollutants, including PFAS and halogenated organics.
My current work integrates combustion experiments with post-fire field studies to identify and track disinfection byproduct precursors and other emissions across complex environmental matrices. Ultimately, my goal is to inform mitigation strategies and support robust treatment technologies for climate-driven disturbances.
Research areas
Research and expertise across water systems and analytical methods.
Mass Spectrometry
High-resolution analytical methods including targeted and non-targeted approaches for environmental analysis.
Water Treatment
Development of strategies and technologies for treating wildfire-impacted water systems and emerging contaminants.
Black Carbon
Investigation of redox-active species and their roles in pollutant degradation and environmental remediation.
Teaching
Teaching informed by research in environmental engineering and water quality.
My teaching is shaped by my academic and research trajectory in environmental engineering, analytical chemistry, and applied water systems work. I draw on my PhD training at the University of Nevada, Reno and postdoctoral research at Colorado State University to connect fundamental concepts with current challenges in water treatment and contaminant management.
I teach and mentor with a focus on environmental chemistry, emerging contaminant analysis, water quality, and rigorous scientific inquiry. My goal is to help students build analytical confidence while understanding how environmental research informs resilient engineering solutions for real-world systems.
Focus
Environmental Engineering
Systems
Water Quality & Treatment
Methods
Analytical Chemistry
Mentorship
Research Design
Research Thrust
Selected work and research themes.
UNR, 2025-Present
Post-Fire Disinfection Byproduct Precursors
Tracking DBP precursor and PFAS formation in fire-affected soils and drinking water sources, including a field study of the 2025 Eaton Fire in Los Angeles.
CSU, 2023-2025
Structural & WUI Fire Emissions
Quantifying PAH and PFAS emissions from controlled burns of structural and household materials using ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry.
UNR PhD, 2019-2023
Redox-Mediated Pollutant Degradation
Reductive dehalogenation of persistent pollutants, including 6PPD-quinone from rubberized asphalt, via semiquinone moieties in aqueous biochar.
Work Experience
Research and practice built for real-world complexity.
2025 - Present
Research Scientist
Investigating leaching behavior of DBP precursors from wildland-urban interface fire residues and their transport into water systems at University of Nevada Reno.
2023 - 2025
Postdoctoral Scholar
Developed and optimized extraction methods for chemical analysis of emissions from burning structural materials at Colorado State University.
2019 - 2023
PhD in Environmental Engineering
Explored redox-mediated degradation of pollutants by aqueous-phase biochar at University of Nevada Reno.
Honors & Awards
Recognition from research, teaching, and professional service.
2025
Poster Competition, Honorable Mention
Gordon Research Conference
2025
Featured Journal Cover Article
Soil Systems, Vol. 9
2023
Featured Journal Cover Article
Environmental Science & Technology, Vol. 57
2023
Student Poster Competition, 2nd Place
Nevada Water Environment Association
2022
Student Travel Grant
University of Nevada, Reno
2021
ACS ENVR Certificate of Merit
American Chemical Society
2016
Graduate Scholarship
New York University
Publications
Selected Publications
Explore my complete publication record with 15 peer-reviewed articles spanning water systems, emerging contaminants, and environmental engineering.
Environmental Science & Technology
Environmental Science & Technology
ACS Environmental Au
ACS ES&T Water
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