Grantee Research Project Results
A Biopolymer-based Simple Lead Check in Tap Water
EPA Grant Number: SU839458Title: A Biopolymer-based Simple Lead Check in Tap Water
Investigators: Lee, Woo Hyoung , Cho, Hyoung Jin , Hwang, Jae-Hoon , Bal, John , Rodriguez, Kelsey , Davis, Rebekah
Current Investigators: Lee, Woo Hyoung , Cho, Hyoung Jin , Hwang, Jae-Hoon , Rodriguez, Kelsey , Bal, John , Davis, Rebekah
Institution: University of Central Florida
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: November 1, 2018 through October 31, 2019
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2018) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , P3 Awards
Description:
The proposed research project will advance the technology currently used to determine trace levels of Lead (Pb) in tap water samples, in situ. Lead is one of the most monitored heavy metals due to its high toxicity and commonality in water. Even in small concentrations, as often found, lead is an extreme concern to human health, as recognized by the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Act action level of 0.015 mg/L. The concern for lead contamination, on a global scale, has led to the desire of an analytical method that can rapidly determine trace levels. The motivation of this research is to develop an electrochemical biopolymer-modified carbon screen-printed sensor that can determine trace levels of lead at the terminal plumbing source, such as faucets. This innovative approach is intended to modify the well-acquainted mercury-based ex situ sensor. Currently, methods used to determine lead concentrations require transportation of desired sample to a laboratory, trained personnel, and the use of mercury: a highly toxic, non-biodegradable heavy metal. This research aims to overcome such limitations by utilizing chitosan: a natural, low-cost, biopolymer, and alternate to mercury. The proposed carbon screen-printed aspect allows for a sensor that can be used under time and locational constraints. The ability to modify a screen- printed sensor allows for target object specifications to be met at a low-cost, highly- reproducible rate.
Objective:
The research objectives of this study are to: (1) design and develop an in situ electrochemical chitosan-modified carbon screen-printed sensor; and (2) characterize and evaluate optimal conditions for sensor performance for in situ lead detection. The chitosan- modified sensor will allow a positive impact for the planet due to its disuse of mercury. When polluted in bodies of water, mercury bioaccumulates in the soft tissues of animals and fish. Many wildlife that consume said contaminated organisms are at concern for health risks. These risks include reproductive problems, liver and kidney damage, and neurobehavioral changes. Similarly, mercury is toxic for people. Any disuse of mercury will help reduce the amount of contamination and thus potential health risks to humans. As well, this approach to fabricating a sensor will allow for rapid and convenient determination of trace levels of lead. Lead is a toxic pollutant that can be found in drinking water, as common as that from household plumbing sources. Having a sensor that can detect lead contamination can prevent severe human health risks. This in situ design extends to economic prosperity as use of electrochemical methods are low-cost, simple, and portable compared to conventional analytical methods. Overall, the development of chitosan-modified carbon sensor has the great potential for a sustainable approach to lead control in drinking water. In addition, this research has the potential to inform those in academia and in the community about the innovative approach to the design and necessity of lead 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 and Society of Environmental Engineers, which will also be open to the rest of the community.
Expected Results:
The goal of this project is to be able to detect lead through a sustainable approach. The proposed design will allow for an on-site, portable, and convenient method of detection. For rapid analysis, this eliminates the need for trained personnel and the time and costs associated with a 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 household water sources to spiked water. Through evaluation, it is expected that this chitosan-modified carbon screen-printed sensor will represent an easily operational, low-cost, non-toxic, and quick method for the determination of lead.
Contribution to Pollution Prevention or Control: This project aims to detect trace levels of lead in water sources in situ and on-time, while utilizing one of the most abundant natural polymers, chitosan, as opposed to established fabrications using mercury (Mercury Export Ban Act of 2008). It is intended to be a sensitive and rapid design optimized to prevent consumption of lead in drinking water, noted as primarily contaminated through plumbing materials (CWA: Clean Water Act--Section 104).
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 8 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 3 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
Chitosan, Electrochemical sensors, Environmental monitoring, Heavy metal ions, Modified electrode, Screen printed carbon electrode, Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (SWASV)Progress and Final Reports:
P3 Phase II:
A Biopolymer-based Simple Lead Check in Tap Water | 2021 Progress Report | 2022 Progress Report | Final ReportThe 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.