Analytical Laboratory is typically used for research related to all areas of environmental engineering where complex and highly sensitive analytical techniques and instrument are required. The equipment inventory in the Analytical Laboratory includes: one Agilent gas chromatograph with mass spectrophotometer detector (GC/MS) with ion and electron ionization capabilities; 2 Agilent 6890 gas chromatographs with flame ionization, thermal conductivity, and electron capture detectors; one Dionex DX-600 IC/HPLC with electrochemical, photodiode array, and quadruple mass spectrophotometer detectors; Pectronic Genesys 5 variable wavelength scanning UV/Vis spectrophotometer.
Core Genomics Laboratory
National Science Foundation sponsored Core Genomics Laboratory for Teaching and Research in Biotechnology houses state-of-the-art genomics instrumentation including an Applied Biosystems 7300 TF real-time PCR system for q-PCR work; a Smidzu BioSpec-mini UV-Vis spectrophotometer and a NanodropTM optimized for rapid quantification of RNA, DNA, and proteins; two Lieca epifluorescent microscope equipped with high speed and cooled camera and image analysis software; an Eppendorf 5417R refrigerated high-speed mini centrifuge; a Milli-Q Biocell water purification system that supplies RNAase free water; a Beckman-Coulter Vi-CELL™ cell viability analyzer; a Shimadzu HPLC with UV-Vis detector; a sonicator for cell lysis; an ultra freezer (-85 oC); a basic freezer (-20 oC); and a crushed ice maker.
Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
Located in CEER Room 308, the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory is dedicated to research and teaching in the area of Environmental Chemistry and Technology Development. Ongoing research is focused on remediation of recalcitrant contaminants and pathogens in drinking water and wastewater by the development of novel electrochemical and catalytic technologies. A primary focus of the research is to develop these technologies in a sustainable manner to help facilitate water reuse and reduce fossil fuel usage. Research is also underway in quantifying and removing trace contaminants (e.g., disinfection byproducts, hormones, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products) in natural waters.
Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology (EMB) Laboratory
Research in the applied microbiology area as it relates to environmental engineering is conducted in this EMB lab. Specific interests are public health microbiology and biological processes. Recently, the laboratory established a strong infrastructure to incorporate several molecular biology tools; such as, PCR, FAME, and gel electrophoresis into its research projects, particularly in the microbial source tracking and the microbial community structure and function analysis areas.
Laboratory for Advanced Thermal and Fluid Systems
The LATFS is a Mechanical Engineering Department Research Laboratory located in Room 107 and 014 of The Center for Engineering Education and Research (CEER). The laboratory has major facilities for experimental thermal-fluid sciences research such as low speed wind tunnels, jet facilities, natural convection facilities, sensor calibration stations, and other experimental facilities for the measurement, characterization and modeling of thermal fluid technology that is used in alternative and renewable energy, electronic systems, and propulsion systems.
Villanova Stormwater Control Measure Research and Demonstration Park
During the last decade there has been a rapidly increasing interest in the use of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) to treat various forms of water pollution including runoff and peak flows. Recognizing the need for research and public education, Villanova has created a SCM Research and Demonstration Park on campus. As of the writing, more than a dozen SCMs have been constructed to include a stormwater wetland, several bio-infiltration and bioretention rain gardens, a large scale porous paver infiltration area, an infiltration trench, green roof, rain barrels, various pervious concrete and porous asphalt pavement sites, a bio swale and a treatment train consisting of a bioswale, raingarden, and infiltration trench. To know more about these SCMs, click here.
Research work at the VUSP is supported by the Fluid Mechanics Lab, Soils Testing Lab and the Water Resources Teaching and Research Laboratory (WRTRL).