Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2017MA462B

Development of an in-field method for detecting engineered nanoparticles and their transformations in aquatic environments using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Institute: Massachusetts
Year Established: 2017 Start Date: 2017-03-01 End Date: 2018-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $5,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $10,465

Principal Investigators: Baoshan Xing

Project Summary: Massachusetts, as a state of holding many nano-based companies, institutes, government laboratories and organizations, is leading the nanotechnology research and development in the USA. Large numbers of engineered nanomaterials are incorporated into various products (e.g. electronics, food, and health care) to improve their quality and performance. Along with their production and application, nanoparticles will be accidentally or deliberately disposed into aquatic environments, bringing about undesirable effects to living organisms and ecosystem. However, there is a dearth of information on the levels of nanoparticles and their transformation products in aquatic systems due to lack of effective analytical techniques to quantify nanoparticles and track their behaviors in natural waters. This proposal is aimed to develop an in-field method for detecting the levels of nanoparticles and their transformations in aquatic environments using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Our specific objectives include 1) development of a field applicable system by coupling portable Raman device with filtration method, 2) in-field detection of low levels of nanoparticles, and 3) tracking of their transformation processes and products in typical and complex water media. The proposed research is in line with the USGS priority areas: “Deliver hydrologic data, timely analyses, and decision-support tools seamlessly across the nation to support water-resource decisions” and “Advance our knowledge of processes that determine water availability”.