CAREER: Probing the Role of Environmental Organics in Deposition Dynamics of Aquatic Nanoparticles

职业：探索环境有机物在水生纳米颗粒沉积动力学中的作用

• 批准号: 1454443
• 负责人: Boris Lau
• 金额: $ 50万
• 依托单位: University of Massachusetts Amherst
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2015
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2015-09-01 至 2021-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1454443&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: CAREER; Probing; Role; Environmental; Organics

1454443 (Lau)This project is about advancing the understanding of the fate and transport of metal nanomaterials in water. While increasing applications of both natural and engineered nanomaterials posit a technological panacea, they constitute a potential health threat. The behavior of metals, many of which are toxic even in trace quantities, is an important topic as population growth puts pressure on the world's drinking water resources. Relatively little is yet known about the interdependencies between the biotic and abiotic aspects of metal transport. This study hypothesizes that the extent and kinetics of nanoparticle deposition are a function of the surface characteristics of organics. The project will use a combination of state-of-the-art microgravimetric, spectroscopic, and microscopic tools to extend current knowledge of deposition of nanoparticles on solid surfaces. Understanding nanoparticle deposition is a critical step in developing contaminant sequestration strategies. The results will provide insights for the water industry, so treatment processes and technologies can be improved to provide safe drinking water. The results of this study would also provide greater knowledge of the behavior of nanoparticles that is ultimately crucial to the development of robust geochemical models for better predictability and management capability.To increase awareness of the connection between nanomaterials and the environment, broader impact activities will target students at different levels (K-12, undergraduate and graduate) as well as STEM teachers and industry practitioners. Results of this research will be disseminated by engaging the general public through a hands-on activity at the annual NanoDays organized by The Discovery Museum in Acton, MA. This hands-on activity will depict what could happen to nanoparticles when they are released into different aquatic environments. Findings of this study will inform consulting engineers, utility personnel, and regulators on its relevance to water sustainability. Despite improvements over the past decade, underrepresented minorities still face significant institutional and cultural barriers pursuing STEM. By increasing their participation in STEM education and careers, America will be better equipped to lead the world in science and innovation. This study will recruit and train students from underrepresented groups through UMass' STEM Diversity Institute. Findings from this study will not only be learned by students enrolled at UMass but also available to other college students around the world. An educational article on environmental behaviors of nanomaterials will be submitted for publication in the Knowledge Project of Nature Education, a new division of Nature Publishing Group. The Knowledge Project is an online, openly accessible library of peer-reviewed educational science content for college students.

1454443（Lau）该项目旨在促进对金属纳米材料在水中的命运和运输的理解。虽然越来越多地应用天然和工程纳米材料是一种技术灵丹妙药，但它们构成了潜在的健康威胁。由于人口增长对世界饮用水资源造成压力，许多金属即使在微量也是有毒的，因此金属的行为是一个重要的话题。 相对而言，我们对金属迁移的生物和非生物方面之间的相互依赖性知之甚少。 本研究假设纳米颗粒沉积的程度和动力学是有机物表面特性的函数。 该项目将使用最先进的微重力，光谱和显微镜工具的组合，以扩展目前的纳米粒子在固体表面上沉积的知识。 了解纳米粒子沉积是发展污染物封存策略的关键一步。研究结果将为水行业提供见解，从而可以改进处理工艺和技术，以提供安全的饮用水。 这项研究的结果也将提供更多的纳米粒子的行为知识，这是最终至关重要的发展强大的地球化学模型，以更好的可预测性和管理能力。为了提高认识纳米材料和环境之间的联系，更广泛的影响活动将针对不同层次的学生（K-12，本科生和研究生）以及STEM教师和行业从业者。 这项研究的结果将通过参与公众通过动手活动在一年一度的NanoDays由发现博物馆在阿克顿，MA组织传播。 这个动手活动将描述当纳米颗粒被释放到不同的水生环境中时会发生什么。 这项研究的结果将告知咨询工程师，公用事业人员和监管机构其与水的可持续性的相关性。 尽管在过去十年中有所改善，但代表性不足的少数群体在追求STEM时仍然面临着重大的制度和文化障碍。 通过增加他们对STEM教育和职业的参与，美国将更有能力在科学和创新方面引领世界。这项研究将通过马萨诸塞大学的STEM多样性研究所从代表性不足的群体中招募和培训学生。 这项研究的结果不仅将被麻省大学的学生所了解，也将提供给世界各地的其他大学生。 一篇关于纳米材料环境行为的教育文章将提交给自然出版集团新成立的自然教育知识项目出版。 知识项目是一个在线的，开放的图书馆同行评议的教育科学内容的大学生。