Grantee Research Project Results
Integrated Portable Raman and Electrochemical NanoSystem (I-PRENS) for Neonicotinoid Detection and Remediation in Rural Drinking Water Supplies
EPA Grant Number: R840599Title: Integrated Portable Raman and Electrochemical NanoSystem (I-PRENS) for Neonicotinoid Detection and Remediation in Rural Drinking Water Supplies
Investigators: Wei, Haoran , Kim, Jaehong , Wang, Dengjun
Institution: University of Wisconsin - Madison , Yale University , University of Florida
EPA Project Officer: Cunniff, Sydney
Project Period: August 1, 2023 through May 8, 2025
Project Amount: $1,362,435
RFA: Developing and Demonstrating Nanosensor Technology to Detect, Monitor, and Degrade Pollutants Request for Applications (RFA) (2023) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: CSS , Chemical Safety for Sustainability , Clean Water , Drinking Water , Endocrine Disruptors , Environmental Statistics , Nanosensor , Nanotechnology , Pesticides , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development
Description:
The primary objective of this proposed project is to develop an integrated potable Raman and electrochemical nanosystem (I-PRENS) for rapid, onsite detection and degradation of neonicotinoid pesticides in drinking water supplies in rural Alabama. The primary hypothesis is that the I-PRENS can identify, monitor, and remediate trace imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam (>50 ng/L) in private and community wells in Alabama's Black Belt region.
Objective:
Objective 1: Develop a hot spot normalized surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (HSN-SERS) sensing module for real-time quantification of neonicotinoids; Objective 2: Develop a nanobiochar-enabled pre-treatment module for neonicotinoid pre-concentration; Objective 3: Develop a sensor-controlled catalytic advanced oxidation process (AOP) module for neonicotinoid degradation; Objective 4: Develop and deploy a small-scale I-PRENS prototype in rural Alabama.
Approach:
We will translate the best-available nanotechnology-enabled sensing and treatment technologies into a field-deployable prototype for long-term monitoring and remediation of impacted drinking water supplies. The sensing module will control the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an AOP precursor. A fraction of H2O2 will be used to regenerate the sensor surfaces. PI Wei will construct the sensing module based on his recently developed gold nanoparticle/bacterial cellulose SERS substrate and HSN technique for real-time sensing. Co-PI Kim will develop the treatment module using the electrochemical H2O2 production and nanoconfined catalytic AOP technologies that were established in his lab. Co-PI Wang will develop the pre-treatment module using a nanobiochar-packed column for neonicotinoid sorption and ultrasound/microwave treatment for neonicotinoid release. Under the lead of Wei and Wang, the integrated prototype will be deployed in Alabama's Black Belt region for long-term monitoring and remediation of neonicotinoid-impacted drinking water supplies.
Expected Results:
The I-PRENS will for the first time enable the distributed, chemical-supply-free, and sensor-controlled water treatment that can be distributed and deployed anywhere. It also enables environmental data collection at an unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution to accelerate data-driven risk evaluation and decision making. The direct beneficial party of the proposed project will be the historically low income, underrepresented, rural Alabamian communities that mainly rely on neonicotinoid-impacted private and/or community wells for potable water consumption.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Groundwater, Exposure, Chemicals, Nanotechnology, Engineering, Analytical, Methods, Alabama AL, EPA Region 4, AgricultureProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.