Targeted Design of Biomaterials for Water Treatment: Arsenic Removal and Recovery

本研究的目的是设计和开发生物基水凝胶，以达到绿色工程的目标，用于从水溶液中去除砷。 一个子目标是评价这些材料的再生潜力以及对性能的任何后续影响，以估计功能寿命。 此外，还将评估寿命终止战略，包括生物降解。 为了封闭循环，将进行可行性分析，以评价从废物流中回收砷用作工业加工原料的情况。 通过考虑系统的整个生命周期，包括材料本身和来自工艺的废物流，用于水净化的除砷系统的设计具有优化整个系统的性能同时使环境和经济目标一致的增加的可能性。 该研究涉及生物聚合物壳聚糖的功能化及其在除砷中的应用。 这项研究为那些地下水源含有有毒砷水平的人提供了改善健康和生活质量的潜在好处。 该小组将与耶鲁大学皮博迪博物馆的工作人员合作，开发一个展览，传达全球水问题，特别是因为它们与发展中社区的水质和稀缺有关。 此外，该小组将与皮博迪进化计划的高中生合作，开发有关全球水问题的展览，此外，高中生将在该小组工作？实验室在夏天。 本科生和研究生将积极参与全年的研究。

0932060ZimmermanThe objective of this study is to design and develop bio-based hydrogels aligned with the goals of green engineering for arsenic removal from aqueous solutions. A sub-objective is to evaluate the potential for regeneration of these materials and any subsequent impact on performance to estimate functional lifetime. Additionally, end of life strategies will be evaluated, including biodegradation. To close the loop, a feasibility analysis will be conducted to evaluate the recovery of arsenic from the waste stream for use as a feedstock to industrial processes. By considering the entire life cycle of the system including the material itself and the waste streams from the process, the design of an arsenic removal system for water purification has an increased likelihood of optimizing performance of the entire system while aligning environmental and economic objectives. The study involves the functionalization of chitosan, a biopolymer, and its use in arsenic removal. This research presents potential benefits for improved health and quality of life for those whose groundwater source contains toxic arsenic levels. The team will work with the Yale Peabody Museum staff to develop an exhibit communicating global water issues, particularly as they relate to water quality and scarcity in developing communities. Also, the team will work with high school students in the Evolutions Program at Peabody to develop exhibits about global water issues, and additionally high school students will work in the team?s laboratories over summers. Undergraduate and graduate students will be actively engaged in the research throughout the year.