About

Professor Sean McBeath is associated with the WWET Lab – Water, Wastewater & Energy Technologies Lab, which focuses on developing smart systems to provide safe and potable water while minimizing dependency on chemical and energy supply chains. His research encompasses applied electrochemical processes, water-energy nexus, novel materials, and autonomous systems and modeling. The lab's work aims to address critical challenges in water and energy solutions through innovative electrochemical systems and modeling techniques, contributing to sustainable and efficient resource management.

Research topics

• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Environmental engineering
• Environmental science
• Nuclear chemistry
• Environmental chemistry
• Engineering
• Materials science
• Organic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Biology
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Ecology
• Biochemical engineering
• Waste management

Selected publications

• Spatial and Temporal Variability of Dissolved Organic Matter across a Drinking Water Supply Watershed: Disinfection Byproduct Formation, Precursors Origins, and Geomorphic Features

  ACS ES&T Water · 2026-05-06

  article

  The Neversink Reservoir watershed, an important contributor to New York City’s drinking water supply, was sampled over the summer of 2022 to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and disinfection byproducts (DBP) potential (e.g., dichloroacetic acids (DCAAs), trichloroacetic acids (TCAAs), trihalomethane (THM)) and their relationship to geomorphic features (e.g., topographic indices (TI), drainage area, and runoff patterns) under baseflow conditions. Eleven sub-basins were monitored for fluorescent DOM, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), fluorescence index, specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA), turbidity, and DBP formation potential. Results showed that DOM was primarily aromatic, chromophoric, and mostly derived from terrestrial sources with DOC means ranging spatially from 0.83 to 1.38 mg/L. DBP potential concentrations varied more spatially (43 to 157 μg/L for TCAA) than over time (23.9 to 48 μg/L for TCAA at the Main Branch). Drainage area and topographic index explained differences in DOC means (R2 = 0.41, R2 = 0.87) and SUVA means (R2 = 0.48, R2 = 0.59) across sub-basins and had moderate explanatory power for specific DBP precursor concentrations (R2 = 0.05 to R2 = 0.49). TI showed the strongest relationship with DOC (R = −0.93) and SUVA (R = −0.77) with an inverse relationship that has not been commonly observed but is present in similar hardwood forested watersheds.

  PublisherDOI

• Electroanalytical Sensing of Lead in Drinking Water: Optimization of Voltammetry Conditions and Matrix Effects on Detection and Quantification

  SSRN Electronic Journal · 2026-01-01

  preprintOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Disinfection Byproduct Formation by Electro-Oxidation of Textile Dye Wastewater: Occurrence, Characterization and Mitigation

  SSRN Electronic Journal · 2026-01-01

  preprintOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Oxidation byproduct formation by electro-oxidation of textile dye wastewater: Occurrence, characterization and mitigation

  Journal of Hazardous Materials · 2026-04-16

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Contribution of a Storm Event to Disinfection Byproduct Formation: Natural Organic Matter Sources, Characteristics, and Mobilization

  Environmental Science & Technology · 2026-01-02 · 1 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  This study investigates the relationship between storm-driven changes in natural organic matter (NOM) and disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation. The novel framework presented correlates specific differential absorbance at 254 nm (Sp-ΔUV254), which measures the change in UV254 due to chlorination normalized by initial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration, with critical water quality parameters such as chlorine demand, DBP formation, size-fractionated NOM, and lignin to enhance mechanistic understandings of DBP precursor dynamics. To evaluate the impact of a storm on the DBP precursor dynamics, samples were collected from the Neversink River (NY) during a high-flow event. The formation of total trihalomethanes (THMs), or specific trihalomethanes (Sp-THM) when normalized by initial DOC, strongly correlated to Sp-ΔUV254. The pre- and postchlorinated samples’ quotients of absorbances at 250 and 365 nm (E2/E3) yielded a strong correlation despite a decreased ΔUV254 due to chlorination, suggesting dissolved organic matter transformation to less aromatic structures, in agreement with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) data. A novel SEC-DOC technique showed THM precursors increased during the rising limb of the storm with a predominant molecular weight range of 2000–10,000 Da. Stable water isotope (δ18O) measurements suggest quick mobilization of stored NOM accumulated in the watershed, which was also supported by quantified lignin concentrations.

  PublisherDOI

• Impact of UV-C irradiance and wavelength on the photodegradation of dibromoacetonitrile

  Environmental Advances · 2025-01-14 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  • Engineering design factors and experimental parameters influence reactor performance. • Higher incident irradiance resulted in 2.3 times higher fluence-based kinetics. • High-power LED had 3.5 lower energy requirement than low-power LED • EEO was inversely related to quantum yield and lowest for the 265 nm high-power LED. • The solvent selected significantly impacts kinetics, up to 2.3 times for 275 nm LED. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation is practiced at the point-of-use and point-of-entry as a last barrier disinfection strategy. Interaction between UV-C light and chlroinated drinking water can result in photo-induced transformation and remediation of disinfection by-products (DBPs). The study investigates how engineering design factors (such as the wavelength and irradiance of UV-C LEDs) and experimental parameters (such as solvent and reactor volume) affect the degradation kinetics of a photolyzable nitrogenous DBP, dibromoacetonitrile (DBAN). UV-C LEDs with characteristic peak wavelengths of 265, 275, and 280 nm and output power of 32–40 mW were studied to degrade DBAN, where acetone and methyl tert-butyl ether (MtBE) were used as the preparation solvents. Quantum yield fluence-based kinetic rate constants (k f ), and electrical energy per order (EEO) were calculated for different experimental conditions. EEO was inversely related to quantum yield and lowest for the 265 nm high-power UV-C LED at 80.43 kWh/m 3 . A significant finding is that incident irradiance greatly impacted the degradation kinetics even when normalized by fluence. The 265 nm high-power LED resulted in 2.3-times higher quantum yield and fluence-based degradation kinetics than the 265 low-power LED and a corresponding 3.5 times lower EEO despite the same wavelength of irradiance. Lastly, we demonstrate that the solvent selected significantly impacts kinetics, where the degradation of DBAN with acetone is 2.28-times greater than with MtBE at the 275 nm wavelength. Indirect photochemical reactions increase observed degradation kinetics; therefore, solvents should be carefully selected for photochemical studies targeting water treatment. This study provides key insights to engineers, as well as an understanding of the impact of UV-C-based POU treatment design for drinking water systems.

  PublisherDOI

• Optimization of Mixed Metal Oxide Electrodes for Chlorine Generation: An Alternative to Conventional Platinum Group Metal Materials

  Environmental Science & Technology · 2025-09-13 · 1 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  Dimensionally stable anodes (DSAs) are widely used for the free chlorine evolution reaction (CER); however, their reliance on expensive platinum group metals limits their widespread adoption. This cost barrier has driven the search for alternative materials that are both effective and affordable. Cobalt antimonate (CoSbxOy) has been identified as a suitable low-cost and effective alternative for CER, but the synthesis parameters that maximize the Faradaic efficiency (FE) have not been elucidated. The FE of an electrode is influenced by its material properties, which are affected by the synthesis conditions. A factorial design study was used to investigate the effects of electrodeposition potential, charge, and the Sb:Co molar ratio of the plating solution on the CER for CoSbxOy electrodes; XRD, XPS, SEM-EDS, and SECM were used to analyze electrode composition. At a deposition potential of −1.005 VAg/AgCl, 2.5 mAh charge, and 4.28 Sb:Co, the greatest FE was achieved. Electrode surface morphology was likely the driving factor for maximizing the FE, which may be attributed to the rate of bubble liberation from the anode surface. In dilute chloride solutions at neutral pH, CoSbxOy anodes exhibited high stability and comparable FE to conventional Ru/Ir electrodes, highlighting their potential as a durable and cost-effective alternative.

  PublisherDOI

• Decarbonizing wastewater treatment plants: leveraging the industrial benefits and energy savings of co-locating utility-scale hydrogen electrolyzers at wastewater treatment facilities

  IET conference proceedings. · 2025-03-01

  article

  National Grid envisions the integration of utility-scale hydrogen electrolysis and municipal-sized wastewater treatment systems to maximize synergistic opportunities. Currently, the valuable oxygen by-product of water electrolysis is released into the atmosphere, while wastewater treatment systems require additional energy to introduce oxygen. Through our proposed Synergistic Hydrogen and Oxygen at Wastewater (SHOW) Platform, we aim to co-locate these processes. Oxygen generated by utility-scale electrolyzers is injected into the wastewater aeration system, enhancing water treatment efficiency. Simultaneously, the hydrogen by-product is blended into the natural gas pipeline, displacing methane, and reducing emissions. This paradigm shift in resource allocation offers substantial emissions reductions, lowers electrical demand for wastewater treatment, and creates a new revenue stream. By using electrolytic oxygen, we improve the operational, electrical, and carbon intensity impacts of wastewater treatment. Simultaneously, this innovative approach makes electrolytically produced green hydrogen more economically viable and attractive, delivering significant emission reductions. The SHOW Platform represents a unique commercial offering, showcasing the synergy between electrolysis and wastewater treatment while driving sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

  PublisherDOI

• Managing PFAS exhausted Ion-exchange resins through effective regeneration/electrochemical process

  Water Research · 2024-03-26 · 46 citations

  articleOpen access

  This study proposes an integrated approach that combines ion-exchange (IX) and electrochemical technologies to tackle problems associated with PFAS contamination. Our investigation centers on evaluating the recovery and efficiency of IX/electrochemical systems in the presence of five different salts, spanning dosages from 0.1% to 8%. The outcomes reveal a slight superiority for NaCl within the regeneration system, with sulfate and bicarbonate also showing comparable efficacy. Notably, the introduction of chloride ion (Cl−) into the electrochemical system results in substantial generation of undesirable chlorate (ClO3−) and perchlorate (ClO4−) by-products, accounting for ∼18% and ∼81% of the consumed Cl−, respectively. Several agents, including H2O2, KI, and Na2S2O3, exhibited effective mitigation of ClO3− and ClO4− formation. However, only H2O2 demonstrated a favorable influence on the degradation and defluorination of PFOA. The addition of 0.8 M H2O2 resulted in the near-complete removal of ClO3− and ClO4−, accompanied by 1.3 and 2.2-fold enhancements in the degradation and defluorination of PFOA, respectively. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of different salts in the electrochemical system reveals that Cl− and OH− ions exhibit slower performance, possibly due to competitive interactions with PFOA on the anode's reactive sites. In contrast, sulfate and bicarbonate salts consistently demonstrate robust decomposition efficiencies. Despite the notable enhancement in IX regeneration efficacy facilitated by the presence of methanol, particularly for PFAS-specific resins, this enhancement comes at the cost of reduced electrochemical decomposition of all PFAS. The average decay rate ratio of all PFAS in the presence of 50% methanol, compared to its absence, falls within the range of 0.11-0.39. In conclusion, the use of 1% Na2SO4 salt stands out as a favorable option for the integrated IX/electrochemical process. This choice not only eliminates the need to introduce an additional chemical (e.g., H2O2) into the wastewater stream, but also ensures both satisfactory regeneration recovery and efficiency in the decomposition process through electrochemical treatment.

  PublisherDOI

• Enhanced perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) degradation by electrochemical activation of peroxydisulfate (PDS) during electrooxidation for water treatment

  The Science of The Total Environment · 2024-06-04 · 50 citations

  articleOpen access

  Improved treatment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water is critically important in light of the proposed United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) drinking water regulations at ng L−1 levels. The addition of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) during electrochemical oxidation (EO) can remove and destroy PFAS, but ng L−1 levels have not been tested, and PMS itself can be toxic. The objective of this research was to test peroxydisulfate (PDS, an alternative to PMS) activation by boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes for ng L−1 level perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) degradation. The influence of PDS concentration, temperature, and real water matrix effects, and PFOA concentration on PDS-EO performance were systematically examined. Batch reactor experiments revealed that 99.8 % of PFOA was degraded and 69.1 % defluorination was achieved, confirming PFOA mineralization. Scavenging experiments implied that sulfate radicals (SO4–) played a more important role for PFOA degradation than HO, 1O2, or electrons (e−). Further identification of PFOA degradation and transformation products by liquid chromatography-mass spectrum (LC-MS) analysis established plausible PFOA degradation pathways. The analysis corroborates that direct electron transfers at the electrode initiate PFOA oxidation and SO4– improves overall treatment by cleaving the CC bond between the C7F15 and COOH moieties in PFOA, leading to possible products such as C7F15 and F−. The perfluoroalkyl radicals can be oxidized by SO4– and HO, resulting in the formation of shorter chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (e.g., perfluorobutanoic acid [PFBA]), with eventual mineralization to CO2 and F−. At an environmentally relevant low initial concentration of 100 ng L−1 PFOA, 99 % degradation was achieved. The degradation of PFOA was slightly affected by the water matrix as less removal was observed in a real river water sample (91 %) compared to tests conducted in Milli-Q water (99 %). Overall, EO with PDS provided a destructive approach for the elimination of PFOA.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Nigel Graham

  Imperial College London

  12 shared

• Madjid Mohseni

  University of British Columbia

  12 shared

• David P. Wilkinson

  University of British Columbia

  9 shared

• Michael R. Hoffmann

  California Institute of Technology

  7 shared

• Fatemeh Asadi Zeidabadi

  University of British Columbia

  7 shared

• Ehsan Banayan Esfahani

  University of British Columbia

  5 shared

• Brooke K. Mayer

  Marquette University

  4 shared

• Adrián Serrano Mora

  University of British Columbia

  4 shared

Labs

• WWET LabPI

Education

• PhD, Civil & Environmental Engineering

  Imperial College London

  2021

• Masters of Applied Science, Chemical & Biological Engineering

  University of British Columbia

  2016

• Bachelors of Applied Science, Chemical & Biological Engineering

  University of British Columbia

  2013