Grantee Research Project Results
Solar-driven photodegradation of MC-LR using a novel Au-decorated Ni metal-organic framework (Au/Ni-MOF)
EPA Grant Number: SU840867Title: Solar-driven photodegradation of MC-LR using a novel Au-decorated Ni metal-organic framework (Au/Ni-MOF)
Investigators: Lee, Woo Hyoung , Yang, Yang
Institution: University of Central Florida
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025
Project Amount: $75,000
RFA: 20th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Request for Applications (RFA) (2023) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Description:
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. HAB toxins are harmful to humans, affecting the liver, nervous system, skin and other organs. The World Health Organization (WHO) set a guideline of 1 μg/L for Microcystin-Leucine Arginine (MC-LR), the most abundant MC, in drinking water and the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a recreational value of 8 μg/L. However, conventional methods for removing MC-LR such as membrane filtration and activated carbon are only phase change removal methods and are often expensive in operation and maintenance. Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are known as three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous crystalline materials that improve the adsorption of reactants towards high-efficiency photocatalysis, far surpassing other semiconductor photocatalysts. The primary objective of the proposal is to develop an innovative Au-decorated Ni-MOF to act as a photocatalysis in the degradation of MC-LR. The novel aspect of the technology is to use the Au nanoparticles for the solar-driven (photocatalytic) reactions to remove MC-LR in water. We will use a Ni-MOF as a cost-effective substrate for MC-LR photodegradation. This project will benefit people by providing safer water sources for the environment.
Objective:
The specific research objectives of this study are to: (1) design and fabricate Au-decorated Ni-MOF; (2) characterize and evaluate the optimal parameter conditions; and (3) evaluate the environmental practice for MC-LR removal. The proposed Au/Ni-MOF will allow a positive impact on the planet due to its ability to remove HAB toxins rapidly and simply for the mitigation of HAB events in recreational 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 Au/Ni-MOF can be implemented into early action in water treatment facilities, reducing potential health risks to humans. Furthermore, the development of an innovative and cost- effective solution to remove algal toxins is related to economic prosperity as we will use solar-driven (photocatalytic) reactions as a low-cost, simple, and easy-to-use alternative for the degradation of MC-LR compared to conventional methods. Overall, the development of the Au/Ni-MOF has great potential for a sustainable approach to the removal of cyanotoxins. In addition, this research has the potential to inform those in academia and the community about the innovative approach to the design and the necessity of cyanotoxin removal 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. Outreach activities for K-12 students such as UCF Camp Connect and Glamping will also be planned during the two-year project period.
Expected Results:
The goal of this project is to innovate an effective removal method of cyanotoxins in recreational and drinking water sources through a sustainable approach. The proposed design will allow for a cost-effective method for the removal of MC-LR, while eliminating the need for chemicals or post-treatment (e.g., used granular activated carbon [GAC] disposal) with conventional treatment methods. The main strategy of this research is to develop and evaluate a highly effective photocatalyst through regularly run research, tests, and laboratory meetings for maximum productivity. The Au/Ni-MOF will be characterized using a known concentration of the toxin and tested under simulated sunlight and aliquots will be taken for analysis using ELISA. Through evaluation, it is expected that this Au decorate Ni-MOF will represent an easily operational, low-cost, and quick method for the removal of cyanotoxins.
This project aims to remove MC-LR by photodegradation using Au/Ni-MOF. It is intended to be a sensitive and rapid design optimized to prevent the consumption of MC-LR toxins in water. This research will support the EPA’s FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, in particular, Goal 5: Ensure Clean and Safe Water for All Communities with both Objective 5.1: Ensure Safe Drinking Water and Reliable Water Infrastructure and Objective 5.2: Protect and Restore Waterbodies and Watersheds.
Supplemental Keywords:
Cyanobacteria, MC-LR, Microcystin, MOF, nanoparticles, photodegradationThe 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.