The research facility for water and wastewater treatment is mainly located in Water and Wastewater Treatment Lab (2,077 ft2; Nedderman Hall B06) and Environmental Graduate Teaching and Instrument Lab (1,044 ft2; Nedderman Hall B09) in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. The labs are housed with various analytical and environmental instruments; fabrication, test, and measurement facilities; and general lab equipment and devices. The labs and facility are shared with all the environmental faculty in the department and open to the various university communities for water and wastewater research studies.
Laboratory Heads: Hyeok Choi, Ph.D. and Xiujuan Chen, Ph.D.
HPLC instrument is used to separate, identify, and quantify specific components in mixtures. In particular, HPLC instrument is capable of specifying individual organic chemicals in water. The lab has two HPLC systems; Agilent 1200 HPLC with UV and suppressed conductivity detectors and Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC with UV and fluorescence detectors. The HPLC systems have autosampler.
The instrument (Horiba SZ-100Z) can measure particle size and size distribution width by dynamic light scattering and also measure electrical potential at the shear layer of particles (called Zeta potential). As a result, this single device analyzes the three parameters that characterize particles and polymers: particle size, zeta potential, and molecular weight.
Dip coater (MTI Cooperation PTL-MM01) is used to stably coat materials surface with specific solids emulsified in solvent particularly water with variable speed. Thin solid films with specific functionality such as catalytic property can be fabricated.
ElectraSyn device (IKA Model 2.0) combines potentiostat, analytical device, and stir plate, to understand in-situ how chemicals accept electrons externally provided by the device and to confirm the occurrence of oxidation and reduction.
Programmable ultrasonic processor (Misonix 300) is an instrument that uses high-frequency sound waves to disrupt, process, or modify samples, with the ability to be programmed for duration, amplitude, and pulsing. It is used in various applications, including particle dispersion to create emulsions.
Benchtop freeze dryer (FreeZone, Labconco) is a compact, high-performance lyophilization system tailored for labs. Its upright stainless-steel collector coil can hold up to 2.5 L of ice before defrosting and is chilled to an ultra-low –84 °C using an environmentally friendly HCFC/CFC-free refrigeration system—ideal for sensitive or low-eutectic-point samples. The unit features Lyo‑Works™ OS, a user-friendly 5″ touchscreen interface offering real-time control of collector temperature, vacuum, and defrost cycles, along with data logging and remote alerts.
Planetary ball mill (MSK SFM 3, MTI Corporation) is a compact, high speed planetary ball mill featuring a powerful 3D motion mechanism—combining rotation, vibration, and oscillation—to deliver enhanced impact energy for efficient milling and homogenization. Capable of both dry and wet processing, it is ideally suited for producing small sample quantities in materials research with precision and speed. The unit supports adjustable speed up to 1,200 rpm for effective nano- to micro-scale milling.
Contact angle goniometer (OCA 15EC, DataPhysics Instruments) is a measuring device for professional contact angle measurements and drop shape analysis, which can be used to measure material surface wettability and liquid surface tension. The sample table of the OCA 15EC can slide freely in X- and Y-direction and is locked into position with its switchable magnetic base. In Z-direction the sample table is adjustable using precision mechanics with a hand wheel. The fast 6.5-fold zoom lens with manual focus and adjustable observation angle in combination with the USB 3 camera ensures pin-sharp drop images and facilitates the effortless analysis with the software. With a double direct dosing system, liquids can be positioned and dosed with two electronic syringe modules. The LED-lighting with manual- and software-controlled intensity includes automatic temperature drift compensation.
Viscometer (NDJ-55) is a digital rotational viscometer designed for precise measurement of liquid viscosity across a wide range. It operates by rotating a spindle at controlled speeds within the sample and measuring the resistance torque, which is converted to viscosity values displayed on a digital screen. The instrument is equipped with multiple interchangeable spindles and selectable rotation speeds, allowing flexibility for various fluid types, including Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids.
Sterlitech cross‑flow membrane filtration system is a compact, benchtop-scale platform designed for versatile membrane separation applications, ranging from microfiltration to reverse osmosis. Engineered with an ergonomic "plug-and-play" interface, this system accommodates flat-sheet test cells and modules for RO, NF, UF, or MF processes. It offers precise control with built-in digital pressure and flow sensors, a high-efficiency heat exchanger, and flexible flow paths.
Membrane fabrication devices include a compact dual‑shaft planetary vacuum mixer (MSK‑SFM‑16, MTI Corporation) and a mini tape casting coater (MSK-AFA-HC100, MTI Corporation), commonly used in membrane preparation workflows. The dual‑shaft planetary vacuum mixer is a benchtop dual-axis mixer equipped with a built-in vacuum pump that removes air bubbles while delivering uniform slurry mixing. Featuring programmable speed segments (0–600 rpm) and compatible with glove box use, it ensures homogeneous dispersion of membrane casting solutions. The mini tape casting coater offers precision coating on a heatable vacuum chuck (up to 100 °C) with micrometer-controlled film applicators. It supports precise deposition of thin polymer or conductive ceramic films—with ±2 µm thickness accuracy—on substrates, suitable for integration in glove box environments for controlled atmosphere processing.
Biological safety cabinet (Thermo Scientific 1300 Series Class II, Type A2) delivers reliable laboratory containment with advanced airflow technologies for enhanced protection. Featuring the innovative SmartFlow™ system, the cabinet automatically compensates for filter loading using dual DC motors—ensuring consistent inflow/downflow velocities and optimal safety throughout filter life.
Melanie Sattler, PhD, PE
Dr. Syed Qasim Endowed Professor and Chair
NH 406
Shih-Ho Chao, PhD, PE
ACPA Tom Wheelan Endowed Professor and Associate Chair for Research and Graduate Studies
NH 407
Arpita Bhatt, PhD
Associate Professor of Instruction, Associate Chair for Student Success
NH 336
