headshot of Peng Gao

Peng Gao

Assistant Professor
peg47@pitt.edu
Civil & Environmental Engr

overview

Dr. Peng Gao is an analytical chemist trained in both environmental and biomedical sciences. He earned his Ph.D. degree from the University of Florida and then worked on human exposome projects at the Stanford University School of Medicine as a Postdoctoral Scholar. His research focuses on multidisciplinary fields in environmental health sciences, environmental chemistry and toxicology, analytical chemistry, and metagenomics. Specifically, he is interested in applying mass spectrometry-based targeted and non-targeted analyses to determine the environmental contaminants and xenobiotics in environmental and biological samples. Also, he is interested in applying next- and third-generation sequencing approaches to investigate chemical-microbial interactions. Last, he is interested in integrating internal multi-omics with the exposomics profile to investigate the holistic human health impacts of the exposome and better understand the etiology of idiopathic and chronic diseases. He has published nearly forty articles in various top environmental and biomedical sciences journals, peer-reviewed nearly four hundred articles, and currently serves as the editorial board member of Environmental Pollution, Chemosphere, Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, and Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology. For more information, please visit https://www.sph.pitt.edu/directory/peng-gao and https://penggaolab.github.io/.

about

PhD, University of Florida, 2015 - 2019

MS, Case Western Reserve University, 2013 - 2015

BS, China Agricultural University, 2009 - 2013

Hu, W., Gao, P., Wang, L., & Hu, J. (2023). Endocrine disrupting toxicity of aryl organophosphate esters and mode of action. CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 53(1), 1-18.Informa UK Limited. doi: 10.1080/10643389.2022.2050147.

Li, C., Gao, P., Yu, R., Zhong, H., Wu, M., Lam, S.S., & Sonne, C. (2023). Vinyl chloride accident unleashes a toxic legacy. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY, 14, 100259.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100259.

Liu, C.J., Deng, S.G., Hu, C.Y., Gao, P., Khan, E., Yu, C.P., & Ma, L.Q. (2023). Applications of bioremediation and phytoremediation in contaminated soils and waters: CREST publications during 2018-2022. CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 53(6), 723-732.Informa UK Limited. doi: 10.1080/10643389.2023.2168365.

Xiang, P., Han, Y.H., Li, H.B., & Gao, P. (2023). Editorial: Advanced analytical techniques for heavy metal(loid)s speciation in soil, crop, and human samples. FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY, 11, 1151371.Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1151371.

Xu, M., Ma, J., Zhang, X.H., Yang, G., Long, L.L., Chen, C., Song, C., Wu, J., Gao, P., & Guan, D.X. (2023). Biochar-bacteria partnership based on microbially induced calcite precipitation improves Cd immobilization and soil function. BIOCHAR, 5(1).Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi: 10.1007/s42773-023-00222-0.

Gao, P., Shen, X., Zhang, X., Jiang, C., Zhang, S., Zhou, X., Rose, S.M.S.F., & Snyder, M. (2022). Precision environmental health monitoring by longitudinal exposome and multi-omics profiling. GENOME RESEARCH, 32(6), 1199-1214.Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. doi: 10.1101/gr.276521.121.

Shen, X., Yan, H., Wang, C., Gao, P., Johnson, C.H., & Snyder, M.P. (2022). TidyMass an object-oriented reproducible analysis framework for LC-MS data. NATURE COMMUNICATIONS, 13(1), 4365.Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-32155-w.

Tian, W., Gao, P., Zong, D.P., Liu, J.J., Zhang, M.Y., Wang, C.C., Wang, Z.X., Wang, J.M., Niu, Y.Y., & Xiang, P. (2022). The oral bioaccessibility and gingival cytotoxicity of metal(loid)s in wild vegetables from mining areas: Implication for human oral health. FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION, 9, 1042300.Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1042300.

Wang, J., Gao, P., Li, M.Y., Ma, J.Y., Li, J.Y., Yang, D.L., Cui, D.L., & Xiang, P. (2022). Dermal bioaccessibility and cytotoxicity of heavy metals in urban soils from a typical plateau city: Implication for human health. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, 835, 155544.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155544.

Xu, J., Hu, W., Liang, D., & Gao, P. (2022). Photochemical impacts on the toxicity of PM2.5. CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 52(1), 130-156.Informa UK Limited. doi: 10.1080/10643389.2020.1816126.

Xu, M., Gao, P., Wu, J., Ma, J., Zhang, X., Yang, G., Long, L., Chen, C., Song, C., & Xiao, Y. (2022). Biochar promotes arsenic sequestration on iron plaques and cell walls in rice roots. CHEMOSPHERE, 288(Pt 1), 132422.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132422.

Xu, M., Lin, Y., da Silva, E.B., Cui, Q., Gao, P., Wu, J., & Ma, L.Q. (2022). Effects of copper and arsenic on their uptake and distribution in As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, 300, 118982.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118982.

Zhang, S., Cooper-Knock, J., Weimer, A.K., Shi, M., Kozhaya, L., Unutmaz, D., Harvey, C., Julian, T.H., Furini, S., Frullanti, E., Fava, F., Renieri, A., Gao, P., Shen, X., Timpanaro, I.S., Kenna, K.P., Baillie, J.K., Davis, M.M., Tsao, P.S., & Synder, M.P. (2022). Multiomic analysis reveals cell-type-specific molecular determinants of COVID-19 severity. CELL SYSTEMS, 13(8), 598-+.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.05.007.

Gao, P. (2021). The Exposome in the Era of One Health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 55(5), 2790-2799.American Chemical Society (ACS). doi: 10.1021/acs.est.0c07033.

Gao, P., & Snyder, M. (2021). Exposome-wide Association Study for Metabolic Syndrome. FRONTIERS IN GENETICS, 12, 783930.Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2021.783930.

Jiang, C., Zhang, X., Gao, P., Chen, Q., & Snyder, M. (2021). Decoding personal biotic and abiotic airborne exposome. NATURE PROTOCOLS, 16(2), 1129-1151.Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi: 10.1038/s41596-020-00451-8.

Zhang, X., Gao, P., & Snyder, M.P. (2021). The Exposome in the Era of the Quantified Self. Annual Review of Biomedical Data Science, 4(1), 255-277.Annual Reviews. doi: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-012721-122807.

da Silva, E.B., Gao, P., Xu, M., Guan, D., Tang, X., & Ma, L.Q. (2020). Background concentrations of trace metals As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in 214 Florida urban soils: Different cities and land uses. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, 264, 114737.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114737.

Guo, Y., Laux, S.J., Burdier, M., Gao, P., Ma, L.Q., & Townsend, T.G. (2020). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in processed yard trash. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH, 38(8), 825-830.SAGE Publications. doi: 10.1177/0734242X20925154.

Xu, M., da Silva, E.B., Gao, P., Liao, R., Wu, J., Ma, J., Yang, G., Zhang, X., Xiao, Y., & Long, L. (2020). Biochar impact on chromium accumulation by rice through Fe microbial-induced redox transformation. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, 388, 121807.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121807.

Gao, P., da Silva, E.B., Townsend, T., Liu, X., & Ma, L.Q. (2019). Emerging PAHs in urban soils: Concentrations, bioaccessibility, and spatial distribution. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, 670, 800-805.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.247.

Gao, P., Liu, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, X., Wang, Z., & Ma, L.Q. (2019). Spatial and temporal changes of P and Ca distribution and fractionation in soil and sediment in a karst farmland-wetland system. CHEMOSPHERE, 220, 644-650.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.12.183.

Gao, P., Xu, M., Liu, Y., da Silva, E.B., Xiang, P., & Ma, L.Q. (2019). Emerging and legacy PAHs in urban soils of four small cities: Concentrations, distribution, and sources. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, 685, 463-470.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.403.

Liu, Y., Gao, P., Su, J., da Silva, E.B., de Oliveira, L.M., Townsend, T., Xiang, P., & Ma, L.Q. (2019). PAHs in urban soils of two Florida cities: Background concentrations, distribution, and sources. CHEMOSPHERE, 214, 220-227.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.09.119.

Su, J., Gao, P., Laux, S.J., Ma, L.Q., & Townsend, T.G. (2019). Contribution of Asphalt Products to Total and Bioaccessible Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, 13(3), 499-509.Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi: 10.1007/s41742-019-00189-6.

Teng, Y., Zhou, Q., & Gao, P. (2019). Applications and challenges of elemental sulfur, nanosulfur, polymeric sulfur, sulfur composites, and plasmonic nanostructures. CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 49(24), 2314-2358.Informa UK Limited. doi: 10.1080/10643389.2019.1609856.

Xu, M., Gao, P., Yang, Z., Su, L., Wu, J., Yang, G., Zhang, X., Ma, J., Peng, H., & Xiao, Y. (2019). Biochar impacts on phosphorus cycling in rice ecosystem. CHEMOSPHERE, 225, 311-319.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.03.069.

de Oliveira, L.M., Das, S., da Silva, E.B., Gao, P., Gress, J., Liu, Y., & Ma, L.Q. (2018). Metal concentrations in traditional and herbal teas and their potential risks to human health. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, 633, 649-657.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.215.

de Oliveira, L.M., Suchismita, D., da Silva, E.B., Gao, P., Vardanyan, L., Liu, Y., & Ma, L.Q. (2018). Interactive effects of chromate and arsenate on their uptake and speciation in Pteris ensiformis. PLANT AND SOIL, 422(1-2), 515-526.Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi: 10.1007/s11104-017-3480-x.

Gao, P., da Silva, E., Hou, L., Denslow, N.D., Xiang, P., & Ma, L.Q. (2018). Human exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Metabolomics perspective. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL, 119, 466-477.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.07.017.

Gao, P., Li, H., Wilson, C.P., Townsend, T.G., Xiang, P., Liu, Y., & Ma, L.Q. (2018). Source identification of PAHs in soils based on stable carbon isotopic signatures. CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 48(13-15), 923-948.Informa UK Limited. doi: 10.1080/10643389.2018.1495983.

Xiang, P., He, R.W., Liu, R.Y., Li, M., Gao, P., Cui, X.Y., Li, H., Liu, Y., & Ma, L.Q. (2018). Cellular responses of normal (HL-7702) and cancerous (HepG2) hepatic cells to dust extract exposure. CHEMOSPHERE, 193, 1189-1197.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.123.

Xiang, P., Jia, Y., Wang, K., Li, M.Y., Qin, Y.S., He, R.W., Gao, P., Liu, Y., Liu, X., & Ma, L.Q. (2018). Water extract of indoor dust induces tight junction disruption in normal human corneal epithelial cells. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, 243(Pt A), 301-307.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.08.085.

Li, C., Zhang, R., Li, Y., Zhang, S., Gao, P., Cui, X., & Ma, L.Q. (2017). Relative bioavailability and bioaccessibility of PCBs in soils based on a mouse model and Tenax-improved physiologically-based extraction test. CHEMOSPHERE, 186, 709-715.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.08.028.

Li, K., Gao, P., Xiang, P., Zhang, X., Cui, X., & Ma, L.Q. (2017). Molecular mechanisms of PFOA-induced toxicity in animals and humans: Implications for health risks. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL, 99, 43-54.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.11.014.

Xiang, P., Liu, R.Y., Li, C., Gao, P., Cui, X.Y., & Ma, L.Q. (2017). Effects of organophosphorus flame retardant TDCPP on normal human corneal epithelial cells: Implications for human health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, 230, 22-30.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.036.

Zhang, S., Li, C., Li, Y., Zhang, R., Gao, P., Cui, X., & Ma, L.Q. (2017). Bioaccessibility of PAHs in contaminated soils: Comparison of five in vitro methods with Tenax as a sorption sink. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, 601, 968-974.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.234.

Jin, Z., Berthiaume, J.M., Li, Q., Henry, F., Huang, Z., Sadhukhan, S., Gao, P., Tochtrop, G.P., Puchowicz, M.A., & Zhang, G.F. (2014). Catabolism of (2E)-4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal via omega- and omega-1-Oxidation Stimulated by Ketogenic Diet. JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY, 289(46), 32327-32338.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M114.602458.

Li, S., Li, T., Gao, P., Lu, R., Zhou, W., & Gao, H. (2014). Slow-Injection Ultrasound-Assisted Emulsification-Microextraction for Determination of Phthalate Esters in Water. JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHIC SCIENCE, 52(9), 1127-1134.Oxford University Press (OUP). doi: 10.1093/chromsci/bmt154.

Zhang, J., Liang, Z., Guo, H., Gao, P., Lu, R., Zhou, W., Zhang, S., & Gao, H. (2013). Ionic liquid-based totally organic solvent-free emulsification microextraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography for the determination of three acaricides in fruit juice. TALANTA, 115, 556-562.Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2013.06.010.

Li, S., Gao, P., Zhang, J., Li, Y., Peng, B., Gao, H., & Zhou, W. (2012). Sequential dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of aryloxyphenoxy-propionate herbicides in water. JOURNAL OF SEPARATION SCIENCE, 35(23), 3389-3395.Wiley. doi: 10.1002/jssc.201200640.