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Project Code [2014-HW-DS-3]
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Project title
Feasibility study assessing use of diatoms as bio-indicators and potential decontaminants of polymeric nanomaterials
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)
Lead Applicant
Peter Dockery
Project Abstract
Polymeric nanomaterials (NMs) are increasingly being investigated for applications in biomedical science yet there is a paucity of information on the influence and fate of such materials, and their degradation products, on the environment. It is imperative that a defined strategy to evaluate the safety of such materials is created. This project proposes the use of diatoms as a tool to assess the presence of polymeric NMs in water, to evaluate water quality in wastewater treatment prior to discharge into natural water environments to ensure an absence of polymeric NMs, and to decontaminate waters of polymeric NM pollutants. It is envisaged that five high risk polymeric NMs relative to the Irish environment will be identified. Pilot data will be generated on both the potential use of diatoms as bio-indicators of the presence of NMs and as potential decontamination agents of NMs. This work will generate three articles for peer-reviewed journals.
Grant Approved
�99,495.40
Research Hub
Healthy Environment
Research Theme
Health and well being
Initial Projected Completion Date
01/02/2016