Grantee Research Project Results
A Biopolymer-based Simple Lead Check in Tap Water
EPA Grant Number: SV840021Title: A Biopolymer-based Simple Lead Check in Tap Water
Investigators: Lee, Woo Hyoung
Institution: University of Central Florida
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Phase: II
Project Period: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 (Extended to June 30, 2023)
Project Amount: $75,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Phase 2 (2020) Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards
Objective:
The proposed research project is to develop a novel biopolymer-modified carbon screen-printed sensor for simple and rapid lead check in tap water. The main hypothesis of this project is that the biopolymer structure will improve lead ion detection due to the sensitivity of the chitosan towards the heavy metal as a result of the presence of amino (–NH2) and hydroxyl (–OH) groups in its molecular structure. In Phase I, we successfully developed a biopolymer coated carbon electrode for lead detection in drinking water. The limit of detection (LOD), sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, interference effect, and applicability to a local tap water were thoroughly tested and the sensor showed an excellent performance on low levels of lead concentration (2–5 ppb). In Phase II, we will focus on an advanced (roll-to-roll) fabrication for reliable sensor production, a portable sensor platform (e.g., universal wireless electrochemical detector (UWED) process) for on-site lead detection in homes, and business model/customer development including life cycle assessment (LCA).
Approach:
The P3 Phase II project will further develop the sensor technology in terms of reliability for simple and rapid lead check, expansion of the sensor technology to multi-heavy metal detection, portable device platform using a universal wireless electrochemical detector (UWED) technology for field applications, life cycle assessment, and education. Our strategies for the successful implementation of Phase II are to 1) develop the roll-to-roll methods for sensor fabrication, 2) evaluate multi-heavy metal detection, 3) to optimize the UWED system for potable use of the sensor, 4) to develop a UWED technique application guideline for home users, and 5) to expand outreach activities: Business model/customer development, The Hive, UCF’s Society of Environmental Engineering (SEE), and UCF’s Engineering without Borders (EWB) to promote sustainable principles to community leaders, future leaders, industries, and beyond.
Expected Results:
The long-term goal of this research is to be able to detect trace levels of lead in water sources in situ and ontime, 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 12 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 5 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 I:
A Biopolymer-based Simple Lead Check in Tap Water | 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.