Dr. Natalia Quinete
Associate Professor in Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Institute of Environment at Florida International University (FIU)
Dr. Natalia Quinete is a distinguished academic and researcher, recognized for her significant contributions to the fields of environmental analytical chemistry. Her pioneering work focuses on unraveling complex environmental processes and developing innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Publications
Below are selected publications from the group along the years (2020-2025). The complete list can be found here:
View Full Publication List
Aquatic & Water Quality
Studies on PFAS in surface water, tap water, atmospheric wet deposition, and marine environments.
Analytical Method Development
Research focusing on advanced non-targeted analysis for chemical characterization and detection of contaminants.
Bioaccumulation & Marine Life
Investigations into the presence and effects of contaminants in marine organisms like fish, dolphins, oysters, and penguins.
Environmental Contamination
Research on pollutants in air, soil, household dust, e-waste, and biosolids.
Human Health & Exposure
Studies assessing human exposure to environmental contaminants, focusing on vulnerable populations.
2025
  • 🏭🧪 Maria Guerra de Navarro, Mariana Botero, Caidence Brill, Richard Zurbaran, Natalia Quinete (2025).Assessment of particle-bound PFAS in ambient air from a coastal urban environment in South Florida. Journal of Hazardous Materials​ ​Volume 497, 5 October 2025, 139797.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139797
  • 🐟 Gebreab, Ariel Lawson, Giancarlos Garcia, Jessica Fox, Daniel Benetti, John D. Stieglitz, Natalia Soares Quinete and John P. Berry (2025) Bioconcentration and toxicity of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in embryonic stages of the ecologically and commercially relevant Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), and the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model system. Ecotoxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-025-02891-y
  • 💧 Courtney Heath, Amy Castaneda, Edward Ornstein, Maria Guerra de Navarro, Brendan McNamee, Sergio Najera, Daniel Calzadilla, Natalia Quinete (2025). Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Composition and Distribution in Surface Water of the Miccosukee Indian Reservation, Everglades and Tributaries in the Coastal Environment of Miami, Florida. Environ Res. 2025 Apr 15;278:121627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2025.121627
  • 🏭 Natalia Quinete, Berrin Tansel, Yelena Katsenovich, Joshua Ocheje, Maria Mendonza Manzano, Zariah Nasir (2025). Leaching profile of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from selected e-waste components and potential exposure pathways from discarded components. Journal of Hazardous Materials, Volume 491, 5, 137953.
2024
  • 🏭👶 Luciana Teresa Dias Cappelini, Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi , Vinícius Guimarães Ferreira, Carolina Cuchimaque Lugo, Monica Beatriz Perez, Mymuna Monem, Florence George, Piero Gardinali, Daniel M. Bagner, Natalia Quinete (2024). Monitoring Emerging Contaminants in Soil and Household Dust Samples by Non-Targeted Analysis in the Greater Miami area, Florida. J AOAC Int. 2025 Feb 24:qsaf012. doi: 10.1093/jaoacint/qsaf012.
  • 🏭👶 Dias Cappelini LT, Ogunbiyi OD, Guimarães Ferreira V, Monem M, Cuchimaque Lugo C, Perez MB, Gardinali P, George F, Bagner DM, Quinete N (2025). Assessing Variability in Children’s Exposure to Contaminants in Food: A Longitudinal Non-Targeted Analysis Study in Miami, Florida. J Xenobiot. 2025 Jan 14;15(1):11. doi: 10.3390/jox15010011
  • 🏭💧 Yelena Katsenovich, Berrin Tansel, Natalia Soares Quinete, Zariah Nasir, Joshua Omaojo Ocheje, Maria Mendoza Manzano (2024). Leaching profile of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from biosolids after thickening, anaerobic digestion, and dewatering processes, and significance of protein, phosphorus, and selected ions. Sci Total Environ. 957, 20: 177777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177777.
  • 💧🏭 Maria Guerra de Navarro, Yosmely Reyna, and Natalia Quinete (2024). It’s raining PFAS in South Florida: Occurrence of poly- and perfluoroalkyls substances (PFAS) in wet atmospheric deposition from Miami-Dade, South Florida. Atmospheric Research Volume 15, Issue 12, 102302. doi: 10.1016/j.apr.2024.102302.
  • 🧪💧 Joshua Omaojo Ocheje, Maria Mendoza Manzano, Zariah Nasir, Yelena Katsenovich, Berrin Tansel, Shyam Sivaprasad, Natalia Quinete (2024). Analytical protocol for detection and prioritization of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in biosolid leachates. Journal of Water Process Engineering Volume 68, 106546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.106546
  • 🐟 Leila S. Lemos, Estela Manfrin da Silva, Karen J. Steinman, Todd R. Robeck, Natalia Quinete. (2024) Assessment of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and their relationship to physiological biomarkers in aquarium-based bottlenose dolphins and killer whales. Chemosphere 364:143038. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143038.
  • 🐟💧 Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi, Leila S. Lemos, Richard P. Brinn and Natalia Quinete (2024). Bioaccumulation Potentials of Per-and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Recreational fisheries: Occurrence, Health risk assessment and Oxidative stress biomarkers in Coastal Biscayne Bay. Environ Res. 263(Pt 2):120128. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.120128.
  • 💧 Ogunbiyi OD, Massenat N, Quinete N (2024). Dispersion and stratification of Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in surface and deep-water profiles: A case study of the Biscayne Bay area. Sci Total Environ. 909:168413. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168413.
2023
  • 🐟 Lemos, L.S.; Angarica, L.M.; Hauser-Davis, R.A.; Quinete, N (2023). Cortisol as a Stress Indicator in Fish: Sampling Methods, Analytical Techniques, and Organic Pollutant Exposure Assessments. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 20, 6237. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20136237.
  • 🧪👶 Cui, D., Cox, J., Mejias, E. et al. Evaluating non-targeted analysis methods for chemical characterization of organic contaminants in different matrices to estimate children’s exposure. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-023-00547-9.
  • 🧪💧 Li, X., Cui, D., Ng, B., Ogunbiyi, O. D., Guerra de Navarro, M., Gardinali, P., & Quinete, N. (2023). Non-targeted analysis for the screening and semi-quantitative estimates of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in water samples from South Florida environments. Journal of hazardous materials, 452, 131224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131224
  • 🧪 Ogunbiyi, O. D., Ajiboye, T. O., Omotola, E. O., Oladoye, P. O., Olanrewaju, C. A., & Quinete, N. (2023). Analytical approaches for screening of per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances in food items: A review of recent advances and improvements. Environmental pollution, 329, 121705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121705
2022
  • 💧 Xuerong Li, Morgan Fatowe, Leila Soledade Lemos, Natalia Quinete (2022). Spatial Distribution of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Waters from Central and South Florida. Environmental Science and Pollution Research
  • 💧🧪 Danni Cui, Melissa Ricardo, Natalia Quinete (2022). A novel report on phthalates levels in Biscayne Bay surface waters and drinking water from South Florida. Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 180, 113802.
  • 🐟🧪 Leila Lemos, Laura Gantiva, Catherine Kaylor, Alessandra Sanchez, Natalia Quinete (2022) American oysters as bioindicators of emerging organic contaminants in Florida, United States, Science of The Total Environment, 155316, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155316.
  • 🧪💧 Xuerong Li, Morgan Fatowe, Danni Cui, Natalia Quinete (2022). Assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Biscayne Bay surface waters and tap waters from South Florida. Science of The Total Environment, volume 806, part 1, 150393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150393.
2021
  • 🧪💧 Brian Ng, Natalia Quinete, Piero Gardinali (2021). Differential Organic Contaminant Ionization Source Detection and Identification in Environmental Waters by Non-targeted Analysis. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Environ Toxicol Chem, 41: 1154-1164. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5268.
  • 🐟🧪 Lugo Charriez K., Lemos L.S., Carrazana Y., Rodriguez-Casariego J.A. , Eirin-Lopez J.M., Hauser-Davis R.A., Gardinali P., Quinete N (2021). Application of an Improved Chloroform-Free Lipid Extraction Method to Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis) Lipidomics Assessments, Bulletin of Environmental Contamination & Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-020-03078-3.
  • 💧🧪 Brian Ng, Natalia Quinete, Stephanie Maldonado, Kathleen Lugo, Julian Purrinos, Henry Briceño, Piero Gardinali (2021). Understanding the occurrence and distribution of emerging pollutants and endocrine disruptors in sensitive coastal South Florida Ecosystems, Science of The Total Environment, volume 757, 143720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143720.
  • 💧👶 Quinete, N., Hauser-Davis, R.A (2021). Drinking water pollutants may affect the immune system: concerns regarding COVID-19 health effects. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28(1):1235-1246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-11487-4.
2020
  • 🐟 N. Quinete, R.A. Hauser-Davis, L. S. Lemos, J.F. Moura, S. Siciliano, P.R. Gardinali (2020). Occurrence and tissue distribution of organochlorinated compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from the southeastern coast of Brazil. STOTEN volume 749, 141473 .
  • 🏭💧 D. Cui, X. Li, N. Quinete (2020). Occurrence, fate, sources and toxicity of PFAS: What we know so far in Florida and major gaps, Trends Anal. Chem. 115976. In Press. doi:10.1016/j.trac.2020.115976.
  • 🧪💧 A M Abdullah; Natalia Soares Quinete; Piero Gardinali; Kevi O’Shea (2020). Investigation of ultrasonically induced degradation of tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate in water. ASCE’s Journal of Environmental Engineering 146 (10), https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0001793.
  • 🧪 Brian Ng, Natalia Quinete, Piero Gardinali (2019). Assessing accuracy, precision and selectivity using quality controls for non-targeted analysis. Science of The Total Environment, volume 713, 136568.
Research Focus Areas
Dr. Quinete's lab is dedicated to advancing environmental science by focusing on critical research areas, supported by cutting-edge analytical methods.
Environmental Chemistry
Assessing sources, distribution, and fate of persistent organic pollutants in environmental compartments using cutting-edge methodologies.
Emerging Contaminants
Studying contaminants of emerging concern such as PFAS and phthalates which are ubiquitous, persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic in the environment.
Environmental Health
Understanding contaminant load and impacts on humans and animals through advanced analytical techniques (omics approach).
Analytical Methods Development
Our research is underpinned by advanced analytical methods based on mass spectrometry, ensuring high accuracy and sensitivity in contaminant detection and quantification:
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
  • Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
  • Method optimization and validation
Laboratory
Our Team
Dr. Quinete's lab is comprised of a diverse group of talented researchers dedicated to advancing environmental analytical chemistry. Our team brings together expertise from various fields and international backgrounds to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
Current Postdocs
Luciana Teresa Dias Cappelini
Postdoc, Institute of Environment
Research Focus: NTA Solution Project funded by EPA STAR
Macarena Rojo
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute of Environment
Research Focus: PFAS research with LC-MS/MS and HRMS
Sidney Sales Jr
Visiting Postdoc, Institute of Environment
Research Focus: PFAS detection in urban aquatic environments
Maria Eugenia Guerra de Navarro
Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute of Environment
Research Focus: PFAS detection in urban aquatic environments
Current PhD Students
Carolina Cuchimaque Lugo
PhD student, Chemistry & Biochemistry
Research Focus: PFAS in drinking water and human blood using LC-MS/MS
Joshua Ocheje
PhD student, Chemistry & Biochemistry
Research Focus: LC-MS/MS methods for PFAS in biosolids and e-waste, and PFAS removal by MOFs
Grace Obiyo
PhD student, Biology (co-advised with Jeremy Kiska)
Research Focus: PFAS and Phthalates in marine mammals
Md. Abdur Razzaq
PhD student, Chemistry & Biochemistry
Research Focus: SPME-GC-MS/MS for volatile FTOHs in air and PFAS modelling in surface and groundwater
Maria Mendoza Manzano
PhD student, Chemistry & Biochemistry (NSF CREST PhD fellow)
Research Focus: PFAS in compost and bioaccumulation in crops
Karina Bugan Debs Moreira
PhD student Chemistry & Biochemistry (FIU Presidential PhD fellow)
Research Focus: Fentanyl degradation in soil and PFAS partition in sediment and water
Md. Rubel Anwar
PhD student Chemistry & Biochemistry (FIU Presidential PhD fellow)
Research Focus: PFAS in stormwater, wastewater and urine samples.
Erick Dias Campanelli
Visiting PhD student from Brazil , Institute of Environment
Research Focus: PFAS accumulation in oysters and mussels.
Master's Student
Andy Distrubell
Master's student, Earth and Environment (co-advised with Jennifer Rehage)
Research Focus: Emerging contaminants (PFAS) in red drum fish
Prior Postdocs
Bahareh Tajdini 
Leila Lemos
Danni Cui
Joseph Cox
Graduated PhD and Master Students
Xuerong Li
Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi
Courtney Heath
Andy Distrubell
Maria Eugenia Guerra de Navarro
Prior Staffs
Monica Perez
Emily Meijas
Lisandra Menendez
Pictures of the Group
Our vibrant research group thrives on collaboration and shared passion for environmental analytical chemistry. These photos capture our team's dynamic spirit, showcasing our laboratory work, conference presentations, and time spent together as a unified group.
These images highlight how our diverse backgrounds and expertise fuel innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges. We believe in fostering a supportive and engaging environment for all our members.
Posters and Presentations
Dr. Quinete's research group actively disseminates its findings through various platforms, from invited talks at international conferences to student-led poster sessions. This commitment to sharing knowledge reflects the breadth and impact of their work in environmental analytical chemistry. Below is a detailed breakdown of our presentations over the years.
2024 Presentations
  • 🇪🇸 "Combining Target and Non-Targeted Approaches for PFAS characterization in recreational fisheries" - Barcelona, Spain (October)
  • 🇺🇸 "Overview of PFAS in Aquatic Environments" - PFAS Forum IV, Orlando, FL (May)
  • 🇺🇸 "Prevalence of PFAS in Recreational Fisheries from Coastal Biscayne Bay" - Atlanta, GA (April)
  • 🇺🇸 Multiple SETAC North America presentations in Fort Worth, Texas (October)
  • 🇺🇸 NACRW presentations in Fort Lauderdale, FL (July)
2023 Presentations
  • 🇺🇸 "Beyond the traditional targeted approach: Developing a Non-Targeted Analysis workflow" - DoD Energy & Environment Innovation Symposium, Arlington, VA
  • 🇺🇸 "Overview of PFAS in South Florida aquatic environments" - Buffalo, NY Workshop
  • 🇺🇸 Multiple SETAC North America presentations in Louisville, KY
  • 🇺🇸 NACRW presentations in Fort Lauderdale, FL
2022 Presentations
  • 🇺🇸 "Concerns regarding exacerbated COVID-19 health effects due to exposure to common drinking water pollutants" - Morehouse School of Medicine
  • 🇺🇸 "Non-Targeted Analysis for the Screening of PFAS" - Durham, NC
  • 🇺🇸 Multiple SETAC presentations in Pittsburgh, PA
  • 🇺🇸 REU Program presentations
2021 Presentations
  • 🇺🇸 "Assessing forever chemicals in South Florida environments: Should we be concerned?" - Virtual SEGER Symposium
  • 🇺🇸 Multiple SETAC North America virtual presentations
  • 🇺🇸 17th Annual HRMS Workshop presentations
  • 🇺🇸 FIU Undergraduate Research Conference
2020 Presentations
  • 🇺🇸 "Application of a chloroform-free lipid extraction method to Staghorn Coral Lipidomics assessments" - 16th HRMS Workshop
  • 🇺🇸 SETAC North America virtual presentations on PFAS and phthalates
🔬 Key Conference Series
  • SETAC North America (2020-2024): Consistent annual participation with multiple presentations
  • Annual Workshop on Emerging HRMS and LC-MS/MS Applications (2020-2024)
  • North American Chemical Residue Workshop (NACRW) (2023-2024)
  • DoD Energy & Environment Innovation Symposium
🧪 Student Presentation Highlights
  • REU students presenting at national conferences
  • Undergraduate Research Conference (URFIU) presentations
  • REU Program Symposiums (2021-2022)
  • Student poster awards and recognition
  • International collaboration presentations
Our collaborative environment fosters a culture of active participation in scientific discussions and networking, encouraging both senior researchers and students to present their innovative work. Here are some of our poster presentations.
Teaching
Dr. Quinete is deeply committed to education, fostering the next generation of scientists through comprehensive instruction at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Her courses integrate fundamental chemical principles with advanced analytical techniques and real-world environmental applications.
Graduate Courses
  • Aquatic Chemistry (CHM 5765-U01)
  • Sampling and Chemometrics (CHM 45165)
Undergraduate Courses
  • Instrumental Analysis (CHM 4130)
  • Undergraduate Research (CHM 4910L)
  • Senior Seminar (CHM 4930)
Fundings & News
Major Grants
  • 🏛️ EPA-STAR: $1.2M (2021-2024) - Children's chemical exposures from soil and dust
  • 🚒 State of Florida/UM Firefighter Cancer Initiative: $20,000 (2022)
  • 🔬 Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management: $70,000 (2023, co-PI)
  • 🧪 NSF Award: $60,000 (2023-2026) - Collaborative Research on High Entropy Alloy Electrocatalysts
  • DOE funding: $700,000 (2024-2026) to study novel MOFs as promising sorbents for PFAS removal from groundwater
  • 🏛️ EPA Region 4 funding: $375,000 (2025-2027) for the research project titled "Integrated Watershed Monitoring and Predictive Modeling for PFAS Transport in Water Systems".
  • 🔬 Hinkley Center funding ($50,000, 2024-2025) for research on PFAS content in biosolids and composts produced at wastewater treatment plants
  • 🎓 ForEverglades Research Enhancement Grant (2025–26): Student award Preetika Chand
Recent Media Coverage
  • 📺 FIU receives $1.2 million from EPA to study children's chemical exposure
  • 📰 Toxic 'forever chemicals' found in tap water raise questions for scientists
  • 📰 Florida oysters found to have toxic "forever chemicals"
  • 📰 Chemicals taint Biscayne Bay oysters - Miami Herald coverage
  • 📺 Forever Chemical accumulation in deer and fish - CBS News
  • 📰 "It's literally raining 'forever chemicals' in Miami" - FIU News (2024) - Research found PFAS in Miami's rainwater, showing atmospheric transport of these pollutants
  • 📺 "How some South Florida cities are tackling forever chemicals in water" - NBC Miami (2024) - Coverage of local water treatment efforts and new national drinking water standards for PFAS
Location & Contact
Biscayne Bay Campus
Located at 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami, FL 33181, the campus provides unique access to marine environments for environmental research.
The Marine Science Building houses cutting-edge research facilities and offers proximity to coastal ecosystems for field studies.
Contact Information
Office Phone: (305) 919-5555
Laboratory Phone: (305) 919-1234
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