An ultracentrifuge for advancing research on characterization and remediation of emerging environmental pollutants and on green chemistry

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

An ultracentrifuge (high speed centrifuge) to enable innovative characterization of nanoparticles and biomacromolecules relating to cutting-edge research in the field of environmental engineering, green chemistry and nanotechnology is requested. Nanoparticles and biomolecules such as nucleic acids are challenging to separate from environmental samples and various aqueous solutions because they do not settle out. The ultracentrifuge will provide advanced capability to isolate these nanoparticles and nucleic acids from various pristine or contaminated environmental samples and from experimental bioreactors. The instruments will support analysis of such colloids using cutting-edge analytical instruments in our laboratories obtained from CFI and NSERC grants. The research to be supported is extremely timely and significant, and involves (i) the assessment of environmental and health implications of persistent and toxic polyfluoroalkyl organic chemicals that have been widely detected in humans, wildlife and the environment, (ii) the environmental risks of metal nanoparticles released from consumer goods into aquatic systems. (iii) the development of benign nanomaterials for water treatment and for promoting agriculture, and (iv) recovery of nutrient and high value chemicals from biological wastewater treatment processes.The instrument will be used for four NSERC Discovery programs, and for 5 large multi-investigator projects of the four applicants funded by NSERC Strategic Project Grants, Collaborative Research and Development Grants, as well as international research grants. The equipment will be used to immediately train 32 graduate students in the next 5 years. The ultracentrifuge will substantially enhance the training and quality of research of students to sustain the competitiveness of future Canadian workforce in the fields of environmental engineering, green chemistry, and nanotechnology.