Grantee Research Project Results
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement
Office of Research and Development
Science to Achieve Results (STAR) Program
DEVELOPING AND DEMONSTRATING NANOSENSOR TECHNOLOGY TO DETECT, MONITOR, AND DEGRADE POLLUTANTS
This is the initial announcement of this funding opportunity.
Funding Opportunity Number: EPA-G2024-STAR-G1
Assistance Listing Number: 66.509
Solicitation Opening Date: July 31, 2024
Solicitation Closing Date: November 13, 2024: 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time
CLOSED- For reference purposes only.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are long-lasting chemicals that are widely used in an array of consumer, commercial, and industrial products. Due to widespread use and persistence in the environment, PFAS are commonly found in the water supply, remaining intact even after conventional water treatment. There is evidence that continued exposure to certain PFAS, even at low levels, can cause harmful health effects [1]. Measuring PFAS at low levels is a challenge with current analytical methods. In addition, PFAS treatment is incredibly difficult, as traditional chemical and biological methods often cannot degrade PFAS or produce PFAS-laden waste. This is especially important for rural and underserved communities1, where centralized water treatment facilities with trained operating and maintenance personnel are often unavailable or unaffordable. Rural communities also face barriers to frequent and rapid PFAS monitoring due to the challenges of transporting samples to a laboratory from remote locations.
Advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have the potential to address the major challenges of conventional technology for the detection and treatment of PFAS-contaminated waters. Nanoparticles have been introduced for the detection and remediation of a wide range of contaminants in different matrices [2,3]. Because of their unique properties, nanomaterials have enabled advances in sensor design such as miniaturization, portability, and rapid signal response times [4]. Nanomaterial-enabled sensors are being designed for efficiency, flexibility, and multipollutant sensing applications. Nanotechnology may help to build better environmental sensors by reducing cost, improving efficiency and increasing selectivity [5]. In addition to detection and monitoring, nanotechnology can also be used in the sequestration and degradation
Q&A Nanosensor Technology Funding Opportunity Webinar (pdf) (245.2 KB)
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.