Grantee Research Project Results
Rapid and simple MC-LR check to monitor blooms for early action
EPA Grant Number: SU840568Title: Rapid and simple MC-LR check to monitor blooms for early action
Investigators: Lee, Woo Hyoung , Hwang, Jae-Hoon
Institution: University of Central Florida
EPA Project Officer: Brooks, Donald
Phase: I
Project Period: August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024
Project Amount: $25,000
RFA: 19th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Request for Applications (RFA) (2022) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards
Description:
The specific research objectives of this study are to: (1) design and fabricate a low-cost biosensor for the detection of MC-LR; (2) characterize and evaluate the optimal parameter conditions for biosensor performance; and (3) evaluate the environmental practice and wireless biosensor for MC-LR detection. HAB can cause various ecological problems such as oxygen depletion and alteration of food web dynamics, thereby endangering many aquatic organisms. The proposed biosensor will allow a positive impact on the planet due to its ability to monitor HAB toxins rapidly and simply for early monitoring and mitigation of HAB events in recreational waters and drinking water sources. Cyanotoxins may cause health risks in people including respiratory problems, liver and kidney damage, and neurological problems. People can be exposed to the toxin through inhalation, direct consumption through drinking or recreational use, or indirect consumption from animals (e.g., fish) that were exposed to the toxins. The proposed biosensor can be implemented into early action, reducing potential health risks to humans. Furthermore, the development of an innovative and cost-effective solution to monitor algal toxins is related to economic prosperity as we will use the electrochemical method as a low-cost, simple, and portable alternative to early monitoring system compared to conventional analytical methods. Overall, the development of the biosensor has a great potential for a sustainable approach to the monitoring of blooms for early action. In addition, this research has the potential to inform those in academia and the community about the innovative approach to the design and necessity of cyanotoxin detection due to the health risks associated. A presentation of the results of this P3 project will be addressed and shared with UCF’s chapter of Engineers without Borders (EWB) and the Society of Environmental Engineers (SEE), which will also be open to the community.
Objective:
The increase of pollution loading into recreational and drinking water bodies has potentially stimulated the escalation of different types of disease-causing microorganisms, such as harmful algal blooms (HABs), instigating detrimental impacts on the water quality. HABs have been a significant concern to public health and the environment as they produce harmful algal/cyanobacteria toxins in surface waters. Microcystins (MCs) (hepatotoxin) are the most common cyanotoxins associated with freshwater cyanoHABs worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) set a guideline of 1 μg/L for MC-LR in drinking water and the EPA recommends a recreational value of 8 μg/L. However, conventional methods used to determine cyanotoxin concentrations require transportation of the desired sample to a laboratory, the use of expensive equipment, and highly trained personnel. The primary objective of the proposal is to develop an innovative on-site screening electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) biosensor which can rapidly and simply monitor blooms for early action. The novel aspect of the technology is to use an antibody as a bioreceptor to deliver electrical signals to a transducer. We will use a carbon screen-printed electrode (SPE) as a cost-effective substrate for MC-LR biosensing. This project will benefit people by providing an early warning monitoring tool for HAB events.
Expected Results:
The goal of this project is to innovate an effective sensing platform targeting harmful algal toxins in recreational waters and drinking water sources. The proposed design will allow for an on-site, portable, and convenient method of detection, while eliminating the need for trained personnel and the time and costs associated with laboratory analysis. The main strategy of this research is to develop and evaluate a highly sensitive sensor through regularly run research, tests, and laboratory meetings for maximum productivity. The sensor will be tested using various water sources and contamination levels, from lake water to spiked water. MC-LR concentration will be validated using ELISA. Through evaluation, it is expected that this antibody-modified carbon SPE sensor will represent an easily operational, low-cost, and quick method for the determination of cyanotoxins.
Supplemental Keywords:
Biosensor, Cyanobacteria, Electrochemical sensors, Environmental monitoring, Microcystin, MC-LR, Modified electrode, Screen-printed carbon electrode
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.