Extramural Research
Presentation Abstract
Grantee Research Project Results
Title of Talk:
The fate, transport, transformation and toxicity of manufactured nanomaterials
in drinking water
Abstract of Talk:
Research Category and Sorting Code: Exploratory Research to Anticipate
Future Environmental Issues (2004-STAR-A1)
Title: The fate, transport, transformation and toxicity
of manufactured nanomaterials in drinking water
Investigators: Drs. 1Paul Westerhoff, 1Yongsheng Chen,
1John Crittenden, and 2David Capco
Institution: 1Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering and 2Department of Biology Arizona State University, Tempe,
AZ 85287
Project Period: Sept. 1, 2004 – Aug. 31, 2007
Project Cost: $455,000 ($335,000 from USEPA and $120,000
from ASU matching funds)
Project Summary:
Objectives. Although the current market for nanomaterials is small and
their concentration may not be high enough in the environment to cause
human health or environmental problems, this market is increasing rapidly
and the discharge of nanomaterials to environment in the near future could
be significant as manufacturing costs decrease and new applications are
discovered. The accumulation of nanomaterials in cells may have significant
environmental and human impacts. However, at present, very little is known
about the fate, transport, transformation and toxicity of these man-made
nanomaterials in the environment. The objectives of this project are:
1) to characterize the fundamental properties of nanomaterials in aquatic
environments; 2) to examine the interactions between nanomaterials and
toxic organic pollutants and pathogens (viruses); 3) to evaluate the removal
efficiency of nanomaterials by drinking water unit processes; 4) to test
the toxicity of nanomaterials in drinking water using cell culture model
system of the epithelium. This study considers the physical, chemical,
and biological implications of nanomaterial fate and toxicity in systems
that will provide insight into the potential for nanomaterials to be present
and of health concern in finished drinking water.
Approach. A multidisciplinary approach is proposed that includes experiments to identify fundamental uniqueness of nine (9) nanomaterial properties and toxicity and quite applied experiments aimed directly at understanding the fate and reactions involving nanomaterials in drinking water treatment plants. Advanced nanomaterial characterization techniques will be employed to determine the size distribution, concentration, and zeta potential of nanomaterials in buffered distilled water and model waters representative of raw drinking water supplies (anions, cations, NOM). Adsorption of dissolve pollutants (anions, metals, range of synthetic organic chemicals) and NOM are proposed to quantify the potential for nanomaterials to transport such compounds, and be transformed by the compounds (e.g., aggregation, change in zeta potential). Coagulation processes will be studied by compressing the electric double layer of nanomaterials, and exposing nanomaterials to alum coagulations, using mono- and heterodisperse solutions; comparable filtration work will also be conducted. Adsorption of virus onto nanomaterials and subsequent disinfectant shielding will be studied. Toxicity screening will include toxicity of nanomaterials on several cell lines selected to mimic oral ingestion routes in drinking water.
Expected Results. The proposed work will provide fundamental information about the fate, transport and transformation of nanomaterials in the drinking water resources and the first evidence that such nanomaterials can or cannot be removed by conventional drinking water treatment processes. An improved assessment will be developed for the potential exposure risks of nanomaterials in drinking water. This research would ultimately provide essential information that would support policy and decision-making regarding handling, disposal, and management of nanoscale materials in commerce, manufacturing and the environment.
Keywords: Fate, Transport, Toxicity, Manufactured Nanomaterials, Drinking water
Short Introductory Bio:
Paul Westerhoff
Associate Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Arizona State University
Box 5306
Tempe, AZ 85287
480-965-2885 fax : 480-965-0557
Paul Westerhoff has been in Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Arizona State University since 1995, and is currently an associate professor. He obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado at Boulder, a MS from University of Massachusetts and BS from Lehigh University. His teaching and research interests are related to water quality, water treatment, and water distribution. He belongs to AWWA, IOA, ACS, ASEEP, and AWPCA. He serves on the water reuse, particulate, taste and odor, and university student affairs AWWA committees. He was awarded the 1999 JAWWA Best Paper Award. His current research includes investigating NOM characteristics, oxo-anion reactions/removal, oxidant reactions, assessing/controlling/treating sources of tastes and odors, and wasterwater reuse.