Grantee Research Project Results
2024 Progress Report: 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 Period Covered by this Report: August 1, 2023 through July 31,2024
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: Nanosensor , Nanotechnology , Pesticides , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Environmental Statistics , Endocrine Disruptors , Drinking Water , Clean Water , Chemical Safety for Sustainability , CSS
Objective:
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 degrade trace imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam (>50 ng/L) in private and community wells in Alabama’s Black Belt region. 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.
Progress Summary:
1) An HSN-SERS sensing module with a detection limit for imidacloprid (IMD), clothianidin (CLO), and thiamethoxam (THI) in the range of 200–1,000 ng/L has been developed, alongside a theoretical framework to predict HSN-SERS signals of neonicotinoids. 2) A preconcentration module based on biochar has been created, achieving 100% removal of IMD, CLO, and THI at 100 ng/L in water and releasing 98% of the compounds back into water following sonication treatment. 3) A catalytic treatment module based on iron oxyfluoride has been developed that effectively degrades neonicotinoids, with its operational longevity extended from hours to weeks through nanoconfinement.
Future Activities:
In the upcoming reporting period (Year 2 of this project), our focus will be on integrating the individual modules to enhance system performance. PI Wei at UW-Madison will collaborate with co-PI Wang at the University of Florida to connect the preconcentration module with the sensing module. This integration is expected to lower the detection limit of the sensing module, enabling the detection of neonicotinoids at low and mid-ppt levels commonly found in drinking water supplies. Simultaneously, PI Wei will work with co-PI Kim at Yale University to link the sensing and treatment modules. This setup will allow sensors, once saturated with neonicotinoids, to be regenerated by in situ H₂O₂ produced by the electrochemical cell, allowing for sensor reuse. These integration activities are essential preparatory steps for connecting all three modules and advancing toward a pilot-scale demonstration for final testing.
Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 1 publications | 1 publications in selected types | All 1 journal articles |
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Shengdong Liu, James Lazarcik, and Haoran Wei,* Emerging investigator series:quantitative insights into the relationship between the concentrations and SERS intensities of neonicotinoids in water, Environmental Science:Nano, 2024, 11, 3294-3300. |
R840599 (2024) |
not available |
Supplemental Keywords:
Groundwater, Exposure, Chemicals, Nanotechnology, Engineering, Analytical, Methods, Alabama AL, EPA Region 4, AgricultureRelevant Websites:
Wei Lab Exit , Wang Lab Exit , Kim Lab Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe 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.