Overview
Wiesner's research interests include membrane processes, nanostructured materials, transport and fate of nanomaterials in the environment, nano plastics, colloidal and interfacial processes, and environmental systems analysis.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
·
2015 - Present
Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
·
2006 - Present
Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Environmental Science and Policy
·
2012 - Present
Environmental Sciences and Policy,
Nicholas School of the Environment
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society
·
2017 - Present
Duke Science & Society,
University Initiatives & Academic Support Units
Recent Publications
Environmental degradation and fragmentation of microplastics: dependence on polymer type, humidity, UV dose and temperature
Journal Article Microplastics and Nanoplastics · December 1, 2025 Depending on the environmental compartment, plastics are subjected to various stressors, including UV light, water, microbial exudates (enzymes), and temperature. Among these, stress on plastics from photo-chemical processes was identified as a leading exp ... Full text CiteImportance of Attachment Efficiency in Determining the Fate of PS and PVC Nanoplastic Heteroaggregation with Natural Colloids Using a Multimedia Model.
Journal Article Environmental science & technology · March 2025 Here, we assessed the heteroaggregation of polystyrene (PS) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanoplastics with SiO2 as a model of natural colloids. Homoaggregation and heteroaggregation were evaluated as a function of CaCl2 (0-100 mM) a ... Full text CiteInvestigating the use of CaCO3 particles synthesized in the Ca(OH)2-CO2-H2O system for organic matter removal: adsorption efficiency and recyclability.
Journal Article Environmental technology · February 2025 In this study, we experimentally investigate the production and characterization of CaCO3 particles through the carbonation process of Ca(OH)2 and evaluate their potential application in removing organic matter. The CaCO3 p ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Duke University Program in Environmental Health
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029The other plastic problem: weathering and plastic additives synergize to impact organismal health
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. · 2025 - 2028NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr)
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Johns Hopkins University ·
1985
Ph.D.
University of Iowa ·
1980
M.S.
Coe College ·
1978
B.A.