Dr. Natalia Malina

Dr. Natalia Malina

Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ph.D., Russian State University of Oil and Gas

Contact Information
Office: PS 301h
Phone: (561) 297-1069
Email: nmalina@fau.edu
Website: https://malinalab.com/
Google Scholar

Research Description

My research focuses on understanding the fate of organic contaminants in aquatic environments. I examine how the transformation processes of priority organic contaminants affect ecosystems and human health.  My approach combines laboratory experiments, field studies, and toxicological assessments to develop strategies for adapting to climate change and preserving water reservoirs for drinking and agricultural use.

Main research focus:

  • Phototransformation and biodegradation of organic contaminants in water.
  • Dissolved organic matter composition and properties.
  • Climate change and water quality.
  • Disinfection byproducts formation in drinking water.

Selected Publications

  1. Malina, N., Millner, S., Ojeda, A. A “First alert” for drinking water quality: commercial water quality testing kits for community-engaged research. Environmental Science and Technology Water, 2024, 4, 4, 1346-1355.
  2. Ojeda, A., Herron, C., Olshansky, Y., Malina, N. Arsenic-Dissolved Organic Matter Complexation in Water Soluble Extracts from Lignite. Chemosphere, 2023, 342, 140036.
  3. Malina, N. and Ojeda, S. The impact of iron (III) on fluorescent dissolved organic matter (fDOM) probe measurements. Aquatic sciences, 2023, 85, 43 (2023)
  4. Malina, N., Wei, X., Kümmel, S., Richnow, H.-H., Vogt, C. Analysis of carbon and hydrogen stable isotope ratios of phenolic compounds: method development and biodegradation application. Environmental science and technology Water, 2021. DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.1c00218
  5. Malina, N., Mazlova, E.A., Kulikova, O. Markers of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) degradation in highly contaminated soil of Central Russia. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2020, 27 (29), 36587-36595

 

Awards and Recognition

  • Leadership recognition for an active role in building a strong Postdoctoral Community at Auburn University. Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Auburn University (2022)
  • DAAD, Individual Research Award for Doctoral Candidates and Young Academics (2018).

Other Information

  • Reviewer in Chemosphere (IF 7.1) and Environmental science and pollution research (IF 5.0)
  • Member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), International Humic Substances Society (IHSS), and Association for Women in Science (AWIS).