pollution studies, environmental chemistry, environmental management 

Cris is an analytical chemist and environmental scientist. His research interests are pollution studies, environmental chemistry, environmental management, and sustainability.

He obtained his BSc in Biochemistry degree from the University of the Philippines Manila, and his MSc in Environmental Science and Ecosystem Management at De La Salle University (Manila, Philippines). He is currently taking up his P.hD. studies under a Cotutelle (Joint P.hD.) Program between Coventry University (UK) and Deakin University (Australia) focusing on the occurrence, and toxicity of new and emerging pollutants (including microplastics) in the atmosphere.

There is strong concern over the growing number of allergies and premature deaths from poor air quality. Particulates are the most harmful form of air pollution due to their ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, bloodstream, and brain. These particulates are loaded with 1000s of organic chemicals, however, only a small fraction of particulates' organic carbon is identified at the molecular level (<20%). So-called new and emerging pollutants (NEPs) e.g. pharmaceuticals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and personal care products have been relatively recently identified in aquatic and soil environments. Although NEPs are a term used for soil and aquatic environments, most have chemical properties enabling their easy transfer into the atmosphere. The project will investigate NEPs in atmospheric particulates. This will be done through analytical method development for measuring NEPs, field campaigns (near NEPs emission sources and at a background urban site), lab experiments to understand NEPs transfer mechanism from their sources, and assessment of cytotoxicity and the oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial cells cultured in vitro. The project will utilize state-of-the-art analytical instruments, including Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry coupled to Liquid Chromatography, and Gas Chromatography.