Research in the Rifai group is focused on the fate and transport of pollutants in the environment. Over the years, the group has studied remediation, natural attenuation, biodegradation and bioremediation, and developed computer models of contaminant transport and remediation in ground water systems. Our research encompasses water quality, point and nonpoint sources of pollution and sustainability of bays and estuaries, particularly the Galveston Bay Estuary in Texas and its watersheds. We have focused several research studies on dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls and pathogenic pollutants in natural water systems. We are interested in resiliency of environmental systems and identifying their vulnerabilities to climate change and natural hazards. Recent studies in the Rifai group explore the convergence of environmental quality with health and implications towards resilience of communities.