Grantee Research Project Results

Multimodal Nanosensor for Field Detection and Degradation of PFAS Contamination in Groundwater and Wastewater (SENSE-PFAS)

EPA Grant Number: R840840
Title: Multimodal Nanosensor for Field Detection and Degradation of PFAS Contamination in Groundwater and Wastewater (SENSE-PFAS)
Investigators: Andreescu, Silvana , Holsen, Thomas M. , Du, Henry , Huang, Yuping , Aich, Nirupam , Aga, Diana S.
Institution: Clarkson University , Stevens Institute of Technology , University of Nebraska-Lincoln , The State University of New York at Buffalo
EPA Project Officer: Cunniff, Sydney
Project Period: August 1, 2024 through April 24, 2025
Project Amount: $1,499,979
RFA: Developing and Demonstrating Nanosensor Technology to Detect, Monitor and Degrade Pollutants Request for Applications (RFA) (2024) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: CSS , Chemical Safety for Sustainability , Endocrine Disruptors , Environmental Statistics , Nanosensor , Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Water

Description:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose a significant threat to the environment and human health. While widely recognized for their adverse effects, rapid and effective strategies to identify, measure, and degrade PFAS remains a challenge. Using nanotechnology tools, the goal of the proposed project is to develop an integrated nanosensor technology for field detection and degradation of PFAS: (SENSE-PFAS). The sensor will be the first field-ready PFAS-detection technology available that can be used to determine PFAS exposure and evaluate effectiveness of remediation technologies.

Objective:

The project will develop, validate, and translate into practice an integrated nanosensor technology for measuring environmentally relevant PFAS in wastewater and groundwater. The project utilizes novel redox reporters that have the ability to specifically interact with PFAS and degrade them, causing concentration dependent changes in the electrochemical (EC) and quantum Raman (qRaman) signal, enabling rapid and sensitive measurements.

Approach:

The project will, for the first time, extend innovative laboratory results to develop a large-scale field-ready PFAS detection and degradation system using nanoengineered hybrid approaches. Building on nanotechnology tools and existing technology readiness level (TRL) 4-level nanosensors and nanocataysts developed in the investigators’ labs, this project will develop and validate an integrated tool for PFAS detection in the field. PI Andreescu and Co-PIs Du and Huang will develop and validate an integrated nanoEC-qRaman nanosensor using silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-based hybrid platforms. These redox active interfaces will be integrated with graphene-iron (rGO-nZVI) nanocatalysts to enable PFAS degradation, by extending work in co-PI Aich lab showing defluorination and catalytic degradation on nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI). Co-PIs Holsen and Aga, experts in PFAS analytics, will validate and deploy the SENSE-PFAS at relevant industry and community sites. 

Expected Results:

The outcome will be a new portable nanosensing technology, developed as a stand-alone unit with interchargeable sensing and degradation units, to rapidly estimate the level of PFAS exposure and the effectiveness of remediation efforts. These sensors are easy to use, inexpensive and can be used in situ, facilitating large-scale screening and intervention with potential for broad adoption in a variety of environments and communities. This development represents a significant opportunity for efficient and cost-effective monitoring of PFAS to reduce the effect of PFAS exposure, enabling sustainable environmental practices and rapid intervention. 

Supplemental Keywords:

Groundwater, Risk assessment, PFAS chemicals, Integrated assessment, Treatment, Decision making, Analytical measurement, Northeast, EPA Region 1 and EPA Region 7, Industry