Dr. Félix R. Román

Professor of Chemistry

Phone: (787) 832-4040 ext. 3762
Email:  felixr.roman@upr.edu
Office: Q-145
Lab: Q-209/215/179

Research Interest: Analytical and environmental chemistry

Dr. Félix R. Román-Velázquez’s research focuses on analytical and environmental chemistry, with particular emphasis on the occurrence, fate, removal, and ecotoxicological effects of environmental contaminants. His current research includes the study of micro- and nanoplastics, emerging organic contaminants, metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, and water-treatment technologies.

His research employs aquatic organisms, including zebrafish (Danio rerio) and brine shrimp (Artemia salina), to evaluate contaminant bioavailability and toxicity. Recent work has investigated interactions between polystyrene microplastics and oxybenzone, the biodistribution and toxicity of nanoplastics, and the ecotoxicological effects of TiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles.

Additional research interests include chitosan-based water treatment, adsorption and removal of contaminants from water, nanomaterials, and the development of materials for environmental remediation. His work has addressed contaminants such as arsenic, copper, pharmaceuticals, personal-care products, aromatic hydrocarbons, and organic dyes.

Research keywords: Environmental Analytical Chemistry • Emerging Contaminants • Micro/Nanoplastics • Aquatic Ecotoxicology • Nanomaterials • Water Treatment and Remediation • Zebrafish Models • Chitosan

Recognitions / Selected Professional Achievements

Dr. Román-Velázquez has served as Professor of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez since 1996, following his appointment as Associate Professor at Inter-American University of Puerto Rico at San Germán from 1989 to 1996.

His research has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications in environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, water treatment, and ecotoxicology.

He is also an inventor on three U.S. patents:

  • U.S. Patent 10,569,253 B1 (2020) — Synthesis of Biocomposite Alginate-Chitosan-Magnetite Nanoparticle Beads for Removal of Organic Persistent Contaminants from Water Systems.
  • U.S. Patent 10,139,377 B1 (2018) — Preparative Size-Exclusion Chromatography for Separation and Purification of Water-Stable Cd-Based Quantum Dots.
  • U.S. Patent 10,035,714 B1 (2018) — Photocatalytic Activity of Quantum Dots-Magnetite Nanocomposite to Degrade Organic Dyes in Aqueous Phase.

Selected Publications

  1. Ortiz-Román, M. I., Soto-Parrilla, M., Capó-Romero, K. I., Torres-Rodríguez, A. S., & Román-Velázquez, F. R. (2026). Sorption of Oxybenzone onto Polystyrene Microplastics Influences Bioavailability and Early-Life Development in Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Toxics, 14(3).
  2. Ortiz-Román, M. I., Martínez-Llaurador, C. M., Jiménez-Velez, C. S., Purcell-Collazo, B. M., & Román-Velázquez, F. R. (2026). Assessing the Biodistribution and Toxicity of Fluorescently Dyed Nano-Polystyrene in Artemia salina Nauplii. Pollutants.
  3. Molina-Pinna, J., & Román-Velázquez, F. R. (2025). Effectiveness of Acidic Chitosan Solutions for Total Organic Carbon Removal in Drinking Water Treatment. Polymers, 17(13).
  4. Molina-Pinna, J., & Román-Velázquez, F. R. (2025). The Bactericide Effects of Chitosan When Used as an Indicator of Chlorine Demand. Polymers, 17(9).
  5. Ortiz-Román, M. I., Casiano-Muñiz, I. M., & Román-Velázquez, F. R. (2024). Toxicity of UV Filter Benzophenone-3 in Brine Shrimp Nauplii (Artemia salina) and Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos. Journal of Xenobiotics, 14(2), 537–553.
  6. Ortiz-Román, M. I., Casiano-Muñiz, I. M., & Román-Velázquez, F. R. (2024). Ecotoxicological Effects of TiO₂ P25 Nanoparticles Aqueous Suspensions on Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Eleutheroembryos. Nanomaterials, 14(4).
  7. Casiano-Muñiz, I. M., Ortiz-Román, M. I., Lorenzana-Vázquez, G., & Román-Velázquez, F. R. (2024). Synthesis, Characterization, and Ecotoxicology Assessment of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by In Vivo Models. Nanomaterials, 14(3).

    Education

    • Postdoctoral Fellow, Bioanalytical Chemistry
      Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, D.C.
      1990 and 1991
    • Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry
      University of Nebraska–Lincoln
      1989
    • M.S., Analytical Chemistry
      University of Nebraska–Lincoln
      1986
    • B.S., Chemistry Inter-American
      University of Puerto Rico, San Germán
      1981