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Lantis I. Osemwengie, Ph.D.
Research Chemist
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Ph.D. 2002, University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Environmental Science (Chemistry Track) |
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M.S. 1984, Prairie View A & M University, The Texas A & M University System: Soil Science |
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B.S. 1982, Texas Southern University: Major: Chemistry. Minor: Mathematics |
| Dissertation: "Levels of Synthetic Musks in Municipal Wastewater for Estimating Biota Exposure in Receiving Waters." Advisor: Professor Shawn Gerstenberger. | |
| Masters Thesis: "Accumulation of soil Ni in Leaves and Tubers of Radish and Turnip." Advisor: Professor Eugene Brams. |
Career began in 1985 at University of Benin, Nigeria as Assistant Lecturer of Soil Chemistry, under Professor Egharevba. Joined New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Special Project Laboratory in 1992 as Assistant Chemist. Moved to U.S. EPA (ORD, Las Vegas) in 1999 to the present position.
| Expertise/Research: | |
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Trace organic analysis, using GC/MS, GC/ECD, GC/NPD, GC/FID, HPLC, and TSQ quantum instrumentation. |
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Development of alternative methods for collection of environmental samples, extractions, cleanup techniques, and identification of previously unknown contaminants in various environmental compartments. These include pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs). |
Impact of research: |
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Dramatic reduction in analytical uncertainty with regard to false negatives and false positives. The methodology developed from this research project will greatly reduce detection limits for PCBs, PCTs, PPCPs, and other trace pollutants by permitting sample sizes of 50 liters or more as opposed to the conventional limitation of one liter. This increases the chances of detecting analytes that would otherwise escape detection (false negative). |
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Researchers' use and exposure to hazardous solvent are drastically reduced. |
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Labor costs are reduced. |
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Research on levels of synthetic musks in municipal wastewater can provide estimates of potential contamination of the downstream aquatic environment and associated biota. Human exposure to xenobiotics or health assessment can be performed based on quality data obtained from this research. |
Individual Research Mission |
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| 1. | Pioneer innovative sampling and extraction technology to replace intensive solvent-based extraction methodology presently used in environmental research and routine laboratory sample analysis. |
| 2. | Improve sample cleanup method and the separation of different classes of organic compounds from environmental matrices. |
| 3. | Develop field screening techniques for pollutants in surface water and biological tissues. |
External Collaborations |
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Dr. Spencer Steinberg, UNLV Chemistry Department: solid phase extraction and analysis by GC/MS. |
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Dr. Steven Mercurio, Minnesota State University, Department of Biological Sciences, high volume extraction of pharmaceuticals in sewage effluent in Rochester, MN. |
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Dr. David Twichell, U.S. Geological Survey: extraction of synthetic musk compounds from sediment cores out of Lake Mead. |
Education |
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| Ph.D. 2002, University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Environmental Science (Chemistry Track). | |
| Master of Science 1984, Prairie View A & M University, The Texas A & M University System. Major: Soil Science. | |
| Bachelor of Science 1982, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas: Major: Chemistry. Minor: Mathematics | |
Professional Experience |
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| 2003 - Present: Research Chemist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Environmental Sciences Division, Environmental Chemistry Branch, Las Vegas Nevada | |
| 1999 - 2003: Chemist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Environmental Sciences Division, Environmental Chemistry Branch, Las Vegas Nevada | |
| 1992 - 1999: Assistant Chemist, Special Project Laboratory, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, 96-05 Horace Harding Expressway, Queens, New York 11368. | |
| 1985-1987: Assistant Lecturer, Soil Chemistry, under Professor Egharevba, Department of Agriculture, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. | |
| 1983-1984: Research Assistant (intern), under Dr. Eugene Brams, Texas A & M University System, Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, Texas. | |
Ancillary responsibilities: |
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| Journal articles reviewer for Environmental Science and Technology. | |
Professional societies/activities/offices: |
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| Councilor, American Chemical Society (Southern Nevada Section) | |
Publications |
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L.I. Osemwengie, and S.L. Gerstenberger, “Levels of Synthetic Musk in Municipal Wastewater for Potential Estimation of Biota Exposure in Receiving Waters." Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 2004, 6:533-539. |
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L.I. Osemwengie and S. Steinberg, "Closed-loop Stripping Analysis (CLSA) of Synthetic Musk Compounds from Fish Tissues with Measurement by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry with Selected-ion Monitoring." Journal of Chromatography A, 2003, 993:1-15. |
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A.H. Grange, L.I. Osemwengie, and G.W. Sovocool, “Identifying Compounds Despite Chromatography Limitations: Organophosphates in Treated Sewage.” LCGC 20(11), 1062 - 1076 (2003). |
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L.I. Osemwengie and S. Steinberg, "On-site solid-phase extraction and laboratory analysis of ultra-trace synthetic musks in municipal sewage effluent using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in the full-scan mode." Journal of Chromatography A, 2001, 932:107-118. |
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A.H. Grange, L.I. Osemwengie, G.M. Brilis, and G.W. Sovocool, "Ion Composition (ICE): an Investigative Tool for Characterization and Identification of Compounds of Regulatory Importance." Environmental Forensics 2001, 2: 61-74. |
Poster Presentation |
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| L.I. Osemwengie and S. Steinberg, “Closed-loop stripping analysis (CLSA) of synthetic musk compounds from fish tissues with measurement by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected-ion monitoring (PDF, 1 pp., 357 KB).” American Chemical Society, 226th National Meeting, New York, NY. September 7 - 11, 2003. | |
| L.I. Osemwengie, Unique Chemistry Solutions to Regional Issues (PDF, 1 pp., 396 KB). EPA’s Science Forum, Washington DC. April 2003. | |
| L.I. Osemwengie and S. Steinberg, “On-site Solid-phase Extraction and Laboratory Analysis of Ultra-trace Synthetic Musks in Municipal Sewage Effluent Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in the Full-Scan Mode (PDF, 1 pp., 339 KB).” International Ion Chromatography Symposium, Baltimore Maryland, October 1, 2002. | |
Oral Presentation |
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| L. I. Osemwengie, “Synthetic Fragrances in the Aquatic Environment: Overview of Chemistry, Monitoring, and Significance (PDF, 32 pp., 1.9 MB).” California-Nevada American Water Works Association (CA-NV AWWA) meeting, Las Vegas, NV., April 16, 2004. | |
| L.I. Osemwengie, Unique Chemistry Solutions to Regional Issues. Oakwood College, Huntsville, Alabama. October 1, 2003. | |
| L.I. Osemwengie and S. Steinberg, “On-site Solid-phase Extraction and Laboratory Analysis of Ultra-trace Synthetic Musks in Municipal Sewage Effluent Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in the Full-Scan Mode (PDF, 29 pp., 2.1 MB).” National Ground Water Association, Minneapolis Minnesota, April 2001. | |