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

1454443 （Lau）这个项目是关于推进对金属纳米材料在水中的命运和运输的理解。天然纳米材料和工程纳米材料的日益广泛应用为技术提供了灵丹妙药，但它们也构成了潜在的健康威胁。随着人口增长给世界饮用水资源带来压力，金属的行为是一个重要的话题，其中许多金属即使微量也是有毒的。相对而言，人们对金属运输的生物和非生物方面之间的相互依赖关系知之甚少。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征的函数。该项目将结合使用最先进的微重力、光谱学和显微工具，扩展纳米颗粒在固体表面沉积的现有知识。了解纳米颗粒沉积是开发污染物隔离策略的关键步骤。研究结果将为水行业提供见解，因此可以改进处理过程和技术，以提供安全的饮用水。这项研究的结果还将提供更多关于纳米颗粒行为的知识，这对于开发强大的地球化学模型以获得更好的可预测性和管理能力至关重要。为了提高人们对纳米材料与环境之间联系的认识，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。这项研究的结果将在马萨诸塞州阿克顿的发现博物馆组织的一年一度的纳米日活动中通过实践活动向公众传播。这个实践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可持续性的相关性。尽管过去十年有所改善，但未被充分代表的少数民族在追求STEM方面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，美国将更好地在科学和创新方面引领世界。这项研究将通过麻省理工大学的STEM多样性研究所招募和培训来自代表性不足群体的学生。这项研究的结果不仅会被麻省理工学院的学生所了解，也会被世界各地的其他大学生所了解。一篇关于纳米材料环境行为的教育性文章将提交到自然出版集团新成立的自然教育知识计划中发表。知识计划是一个面向大学生的在线、开放的同行评议教育科学内容图书馆。

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.