Fe-NANOSIT
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Iron-based nanoparticles and nanocomposite
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Fe-NANOSIT is conceived to make increased use of the high water treatment potential of nanotechnology by developing novel energy-conserving and resource-saving groundwater and sewage treatment technologies that are based on reactive nanomaterials. Emphasis is placed on creating customized, novel and reactive nanoparticles based on iron/carbon composites and magnetic nanocatalysts. The materials obtained will contribute to new manageable, quick-acting and low-cost concepts for regenerating contaminated water. Mainly small- and medium-scale companies will benefit from the economic use of these new groundwater and sewage treatment methods. The Fe-NANOSIT activities will include a comprehensive risk assessment and ecotoxicological evaluation of the new nanomaterials.
Particle development and estimation of the environmental risk potential
The Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is involved with several departments in all work packages of the project. By the Dept. Environmental Engineering Fe-based nanoparticles and nanostructured composite materials for the purification of groundwater and wastewater are developed.
In parallel to the technical development, a potential environmental risk potential in connection with the particle application, a possible release and occurring concentrations is to be estimated. Long-term effects on populations / transgenerational effects on the test organism Daphnia
magna are assessed by the Dept. System Ecotoxicology. The systems biology analysis (transcriptome and metabolome) of mechanisms of action will be performed by the Dept. Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology. Here, studies on the test organisms zebrafish (Danio rerio) and alga (Scenedesmus valuolatus) are planed. The Depts. Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology and Environmental Engineering manage the project.
Particle characterisation
Within the
Fe-Nanosit project, IKTS is responsible for the characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles. First, the powders are evaluated in terms of their technical application to groundwater or wastewater treatment, second, the behaviour of nanomaterials in ecotoxicological relevant media is studied. This is the basis for the interpretation of subsequent ecotoxicological tests.
Effects of selected Fe-based nanoparticles and nanocomposites on aquatic organisms
ECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH investigates and evaluates the ecotoxicity of chemicals, biocides, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. In this context, ecotoxicity tests are performed with various aquatic and terrestrial organisms. In national and international research projects, ECT has developed, optimized and standardized ecotoxicological tests. ECT has also contributed to the further development of concepts and strategies for environmental risk assessment.
ECT Oekotoxikologie GmbH studies the effects of selected Fe-based nanoparticles and nanocomposites on aquatic organisms with a main focus on standard testing protocols as used for the assessment of chemicals. Through modification of the exposure conditions these tests are adapted to the testing of carbo-iron and magnetite / ferrite particles. Ecotoxicity of these particles is then assessed using acute and chronic toxicity tests (e.g. growth tests with bacteria and algae, and acute and chronic toxicity tests with crustaceans and fish).
Nanoparticle interactions with cells and organisms
Since 2002, the working group "Tissue Engineering and Biomineralization" at the Institute for Material Science (IfWW) and Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials (MBA) at the TU Dresden, deals with the production and characterization of biomaterials and scaffolds, as well as the material-cell interaction. One research focus is the investigation of the interaction of nanoparticles with cells and tissues / organisms.
By
developing suitable preparation methods for electron microscopic techniques, the uptake and distribution of nanoparticles in organisms, their cells and tissues are analyzed. The analyses contribute to the ecotoxicological assessment and identification of mechanisms of action.
Reductive ground water treatment
As part
of the project for the first time the in-
situ application of Carbo-Iron for the degradation of pollutants in groundwater is planned. To this end, it is anticipated to inject a stabilized Carbo-Iron/water-suspension in an aquifer polluted with chlorinated hydrocarbons. During a long-term monitoring the effect of Carbo-Iron particles on the polluted aquifer will be examined and evaluated. Specifically, first a suitable site is selected and an official permission for the injection of the Carbo-Iron particles has to be obtained. In a next step the hydro-geological, hydraulic and hydrochemical properties of the aquifer are characterized. Further steps are the laboratory determination of the degradation characteristics of chlorinated hydrocarbons to adjust the suspension, the planning of infiltration, the technical design and operation of the injection system and the well and the injection. An accompanying effect monitoring is designed and initiated in time lead to the injection.
Analysis of the transport of nanoparticles in groundwater
The research group “Water and Matter Transport in Complex Landscapes” of the Institute of Earth and Environmental Science performs experimental observations of the transport and distribution of carbo-iron particles in saturated porous media (groundwater). Including the use of non-invasive imaging methods, measurements will be performed under laboratory as well as field conditions.
Oxidative treatment of industrial waste water
The
proaqua GmbH & Co. KG (Mainz) is involved as an industrial partner in the project. As a specialist in water and wastewater treatment, it develops customized concepts for the treatment of water and waste water from all industries. For this purpose, various methods consisting of technical and physical water treatment and use of special chemicals, are combined.
Within the project,
proaqua provides extensive know-how and experience in technical engineering for technical implementation of research results. The requirements for a demonstration plant will be determined by proaqua. Also, parts of the plant are made in accordance with proaqua. Further, contacts with potential users (industry, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, etc.) are made. As a specialist in dosing and capture technologies, proaqua provides a significant contribution to the development necessary for the use of nanoparticles in systems engineering.
Transfer into a practical application
The
IBL as industry partner conducts the design, construction and operation of plants for environmental remediation as well as for waste water and gas purification, respectively. It is involved in the planning and implementation of complete environmental remediation projects as well as in various research projects and project-related committees.
IBL
supports the development and deployment of nano photocatalysts and apparatus for the deposition of nano-catalysts. IBL also handles the design and construction of custom reactor modules and the planning, implementation and evaluation of laboratory and pilot experiments to test the technology in actual wastewater projects (nano-catalysts for wastewater treatment and, if suitable, nano photocatalysts in combination with UV irradiation for wastewater treatment). The R & D findings will be transferred to the pilot or full-scale scale. IBL also fosters the research project in a business sense.
Duration: 01.05.2010 - 30.04.2013
Project lead:
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Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
Dr. Stefan Scholz |
Partners:
