Description:
One of the approaches for reducing uncertainties in the assessment of human exposure is to better characterize the hazardous wastes that contaminate our environment. A significant limitation to this approach, however, is that sampling and laboratory analysis of contaminated environmental and biological samples, can be slow and expensive; thus, limiting the number of samples that can be analyzed within time and budget constraints. In cases where indicator compounds can be identified, faster, more cost-effective field screening and monitoring methods can increase the amount of information available concerning the location, source and concentration of pollutants which may impact human health and the environment. This task involves the development of scientifically sound analytical methods and approaches to assess and characterize risks to human health posed by chemical pollutants. Research areas include the development and characterization of semipermeable membrane devices (SPMD), molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and toxicity-based bioassays for volatile and semivolatile hazardous wastes and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs).
Keywords:
BIOSENSORS, CHEMICAL SENSORS, PHENOLS, PESTICIDES, SPMDS, MIPS, BIOASSAYS,
Project Information:
Progress
:The progress to date for this project is summarized as follows: Bioanalytical sensors work under this task has primarily demonstrated proof-of-concept for several bioanalytical techniques with respect to potential Superfund applications. More specifically, these projects involve (i) the use of screen printed disposable electrodes to measure total chromium (ii) disposable immunochemical test strips with a visible endpoint for detection of herbicide (2,4-D), (iii) detection of OP insecticides using sol-gel stabilized enzyme-based techniques, (iv) electrochemical deposition of molecularly imprinted polymers, and (v) rapid toxicity screening of toxic industrial chemicals. Results have been communicated to Program Offices (OPP) and Regions (9 and 2) through presentations, publications and direct communications. Continued communications with Region 9 and the California EPA for the chrome project is expected to continue in 2005.
Relevance
:Research being performed under this task is directed to meet the needs of the Superfund Program with respect to providing improved methods and dose-response models for estimating risks from complex mixtures contaminating soils and ground water; provide improved methods for measuring, monitoring, and characterizing complex wastes in soils and ground water; and develop more cost-effective and reliable technologies for clean-up of contaminated soils, sediments and ground water. In addition, under this task support has been provided to the Office of Water to develop and characterize bioanalytical screening assays for drinking water. More specifically, in-house techniques have been compared with commercially available screening assays for compounds (organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides) that exert their toxic effects by the same mechanism of action. Rapid and inexpensive indicator assays for potential exposure which can be correlated with biological dose-related effects can be of great benefit to the exposure assessment process. The use of these assays as screening tools can increase the amount of information available concerning the location, source and concentration of pollutants which may most significantly impact human health and the environment. Techniques and methods demonstrated under this task are expected to be used by Superfund managers, Regional Offices and other stakeholders. Information concerning these methods will be disseminated to the Regions and Program Offices. Feedback concerning the use and value of these techniques will be assessed during formal and informal meetings with the Regional Science Liaisons and Hazardous Waste Technical Liaisons. For example, this work was presented in two seminars for OSWER and Regional scientists at the NERL/HSRC Meeting on Superfund Research, November, 2004.
Clients
:NERL, OW, OPPTS, OERR, Region 9
Project IDs:
ID Code
:3921
Project type
:OMIS