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USING ZERO-VALENT METAL NANOPARTICLES TO REMEDIATE ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Citation:
Strynar, M J., B. Schrick, B. N. Will, J. Dec, T. E. Mallouk, AND J. M. Bollag. USING ZERO-VALENT METAL NANOPARTICLES TO REMEDIATE ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS. Presented at 225th American Chemical Society National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 23-27, 2003.
Impact/Purpose:
The objective of this task is to develop state-of-the-art methods for measuring xenobiotic compounds, to include the isolation of the analyte from the appropriate matrix (extraction), preconcentration (typically sorbent-based), and analysis via GC/MS and/or LC/MS. Once established, these methods will be applied in small scale pilot studies or demonstration projects. Particular emphasis will be placed on methods which are readily transferable to other laboratories, including those within the Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (HEASD), the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), other EPA Laboratories, Program Offices, Regions, and academic institutions.
Specific objectives of this task include the following:
1) Development of GC/MS and LC/MS methods for the measurement of key xenobiotic compounds and their metabolites (to include the pyrethroid pesticides, perfluorinated organic compounds, and the BFRs) in relevant environmental and biological matrices.
2) Development of efficient low cost methods for the extraction and clean up of these compounds collected from relevant matrices.
3) Determination of xenobiotic compound and metabolite concentrations in samples derived from laboratory and field monitoring studies to help assess exposures and evaluate associated risks.
Description:
The transport of organic contaminants down the soil profile constitutes a serious threat to the quality of ground water. Zero-valent metals are considered innocuous abiotic agents capable of mediating decontamination processes in terrestrial systems. In this investigation, zero-valent Fe, Ni-Fe, and Pd-Fe were assessed for their ability to reduce the chlorinated solvent trichloroethylene (TCE) and the dinitroaniline herbicide trifluralin. TCE treated with metal nanoparticles was reduced to saturated hydrocarbons via hydrodechlorination. Trifluralin was transformed to amino derivatives that formed stable complexes with quinone moieties of fulvic acid as a result of nucleophilic addition. In view of these results, zero-valent metals emerge as an efficient tool for neutralizing a host of environmental contaminants. However, since the later frequently reside in hard to reach locations within the soil profile, it is necessary to develop tools for transporting the zero-valent metals to the target sites.
The work described in this paper was not funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and therefore, the contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency and no official endorsement should be inferred.