Sargun Kaur, a doctoral candidate in chemistry, will defend their dissertation titled “Analytical Methods for Seed Quality Chemical Markers and Water Treatment Technology Assessment.” Their advisor, Dr. Paul Nam is an associate professor in the chemistry department. The dissertation abstract is provided below.

Plant seed germination, growth, and response to biotic and abiotic stresses are regulated by plant hormones. Stored seeds can deteriorate and become susceptible to various environmental stresses and diseases. Therefore, the measurement of phytohormone and other metabolite levels can provide an insight into seed germination, viability, and vigor. The types and levels of volatile compounds produced from the lipid peroxidation initiated by autooxidation or enzymatic oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids during the seed storage can also be a quantitative indicator of the seed germination potential and vigor. Therefore, a liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method and a headspace – solid-phase microextraction – gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) method were developed and validated for analyzing these potential marker chemicals in corn (Zea mays) seeds. Traditional drinking water disinfectants such as chlorine not only deactivate pathogenic microorganisms in source water but also react with dissolved organic matter from natural and anthropogenic sources, leading to the formation of numerous toxic disinfection byproducts (DBPs). A novel Iron oxide coated granular activated carbon (Fe3O4-GAC) catalyst was synthesized for the generation of hydroxyl and hydroperoxyl radical when introduced with hydrogen peroxide. Disinfection efficiency was studied using source water treatment and E. coli tests. Disinfection techniques including Ozone and UV treatment were studied in a large-scale commercial Aquarium. A panel of marker chemicals were analyzed for water quality monitoring in water samples from fresh and salt-water fish tanks.