Environmental Chemistry
      My research interests in environmental chemistry are focused on the bioavailability and environmental fate of organic and inorganic contaminants. Specifically, I am interested in the fate of contaminants in soil and water systems, particularly in urban landscapes. It has been estimated that there are more than 70,000 (mostly organic) synthetic chemicals used daily. In addition, there are many naturally occuring chemicals and compounds (such as metals) that are of environmental concern due to anthropogenic processes such as mining, the combusition of fossil fuels, and pesticide use. With this heavy use comes a significant concern for environmental exposure, contamination, and human health.

I am always open to new research questions, however, my previous research experience has focused on:

• sorption/desorption processes of organic contaminants with clay minerals, soils, and biosolids
• degradation and transformation of organic contaminants by soil micro- and macroorganisms
• evaluation and monitoring of soil/water quality indicators (i.e. environmental impact assessment)

Urban Ecology

Description coming soon

Secondary and College Science Education

Description coming soon

Peer Reviewed
     Xia, K., A. Bhandari, K. Das, and G. Pillar. 2005. Occurence and fate of pharmaceuticals and
          personal care products (PPCP's) in biosolids. J. Environ. Qual. 34:91-104 (pdf)

     Pillar, G.D., K. Xia, J. Kim, J. Reeves, and M. Williams. 200X. Impact of size fractionation methods on properties
          of soil aggregates. Submitted to Soil Science Society of America Journal

Published Extended Proceedings - Peer Reviewed
     Xia, K., and G. Pillar. 2003. Anthropogenic organic chemicals in biosolids from selected
         wastewater treatment plants in Georgia and South Carolina. pg. 806-809. In Kathryn Hatcher (ed.)
         Proc. 2003 Georgia Water Res. Conf. Athens, GA, April 23-24 (pdf)

 Pillar, G.D., K. Karnok and S.J. Thien. 2006. Perceptions, utilization, and training of graduate student teaching
         assistants in introductory soil science courses. Presented at the 52nd Annual North American Colleges and
         Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Annual Conference, Vancouver, Canada, June 2006 (pdf) (pps)

     Pillar, G.D., P.F. Hendrix, and K. Xia. 2005. Impact of earthworm activity on the transformation and
         distribution of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in soils. Presented at the Annual ASA-SSSA-CSSA Meetings,
         Salt Lake City, Utah, November 2005 (pdf) (pps)

     Pillar, G.D., and K. Xia. 2005. Interaction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene with clay minerals and humic-clay
         complexes. Presented at the Annual ASA-SSSA-CSSA Meetings, Salt Lake City, Utah, November 2005 (pdf)

     Pillar, G.D., K.Xia, and P.F. Hendrix. 2004. Fate of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in soil aggregates influenced by
         earthworm activity. Presented at the Annual ASA-SSSA-CSSA Meetings, Seattle, Washington, November 2004. (pdf) (pps)

     Xia, K., G. Pillar, and A. Bhandari. 2004. Fate of personal care products and other organic chemicals in biosolids.
         Presented at the Sustainable Land Application Conference, Buena Vista, FL, January 2004.

     Pillar, G.D., and K. Xia. 2003. Impact of size fractionation methods on properties of soil aggregates. Presented at
         the Annual ASA-SSSA-CSSA Meetings, Denver, Colorado, November 2003. (pdf)

     Xia, K., and G.D. Pillar. 2003. Anthropogenic Organic Compounds in Biosolids. Presented at the Annual ASA-SSSA-CSSA
         Meetings, Denver, Colorado, November 2003. (pdf)

     Pillar, G.D., and S.J. Thien. 2000. Impact of animal waste compost on turf soil quality. Presented at the Annual
         ASA-SSSA-CSSA Meetings, Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 2000. (pdf)