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P. Lee Ferguson

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Box 90287, 121 Hudson Hall, Durham, NC 27708-0287
534 Research Dr., Wilkinson Building, Room 205, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


Dr. Ferguson is an Environmental Analytical Chemist who joined Duke in 2009 after six years as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of South Carolina.

Research in the Ferguson laboratory is focused on development and application of analytical methods for measuring organic pollutants in the environment. Specifically, a major thrust of research in the lab involves the application of high resolution mass spectrometry to detect, identify, and quantify emerging contaminants in wastewater and drinking water.  His recent work has centered on the development of non-targeted analysis workflows and methods, assessment of polyfluorinated alkyl substances in water and wastewater, and leaching and bioaccessibility of polymer-associated chemicals from microplastic particles in the aquatic environment.  He has published over 100 peer-reviewed chapters and journal articles, serves on advisory councils for several organizations focused on emerging pollutants in the environment, and has testified before the U.S. Senate on environmental health concerns related to nanotechnology.  In North Carolina, he helped lead the formation of the NC PFAS Testing Network to assess statewide drinking water contamination from PFAS chemicals.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering · 2025 - Present Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Associate Professor in the Division of Marine Science and Policy · 2022 - Present Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment

In the News


Published April 7, 2025
Duke Researcher Strives to Keep ‘Forever Chemicals’ Out of North Carolina Water Supply
Published February 3, 2025
Celebrating Duke’s New Full Professors
Published July 11, 2024
Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Growing Source of Pollution

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Recent Publications


Environmental exposure assessment in the international prospective study of Chronic Kidney Disease of UnceRtain Etiology (CKDu) in Agricultural Communities (CURE) research consortium: Design and protocol development.

Journal Article The Science of the total environment · June 2025 BackgroundChronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is a major health concern among outdoor manual workers in rural Central America and South Asia. The CURE study is a prospective longitudinal cohort designed to investigate CKDu's environm ... Full text Cite

Toxicity of microplastic fibers containing azobenzene disperse dyes to human lung epithelial cells cultured at an air-liquid interface.

Journal Article Journal of hazardous materials · December 2024 There is growing concern surrounding the human health effects following inhalation exposure to microplastic fibers (MPFs). MPFs can harbor chemical additives, such as azobenzene disperse dyes (ADDs), that may contribute to their toxicity. The goal of this ... Full text Cite

Advancing Understanding of Chemical Exposures and Maternal-child Health Through the U.S. Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program: A Scoping Review.

Journal Article Current environmental health reports · September 2024 Purpose of reviewEnvironmental chemical exposures may disrupt child development, with long-lasting health impacts. To date, U.S. studies of early environmental exposures have been limited in size and diversity, hindering power and generalizability ... Full text Cite
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Recent Grants


Duke University Program in Environmental Health

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029

PFAST Team 1: PFAS sources and fate in public drinking waters of North Carolina impacted by firefighting and textile operations

Public ServicePrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2024 - 2026

Collection of Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) samples from North Carolina Fire Stations to Create a PFAS Source Material Archive

Public ServicePrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2026

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Education, Training & Certifications


Stony Brook University · 2002 Ph.D.