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Investigation of Environmental Processes at the Molecular Level: Heavy Metal Interactions with Biomaterials. Isai T. Urasa, P.I. Department of Chemistry Hampton University Isai.urasa@hamptonu.edu. Scope.
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Investigation of Environmental Processes at the Molecular Level: Heavy Metal Interactions with Biomaterials Isai T. Urasa, P.I. Department of Chemistry Hampton University Isai.urasa@hamptonu.edu
Scope A study of interfacial and cellular interactions that influence the- Form- Mobility- Lability- Bio-availability, and - Toxic effects of heavy metals. The goal of the research is to create new knowledge, new technologies, and new methodologies that can be applied in environmental remediation. The program has four subprojects:
Sub-Project 1: Environmental Bacteriology – Dr. Abiodun Adibi, Co-PI Project Goals • Characterize and Identify Bacterial Isolates From: Extreme environments soda-lake hot spring/lake Craney Island Dredges • Explore the Utilization of the Isolates in bioremediation
Extremophiles • East African Soda-Lake: Preliminary studies - Have four isolates - Characterized - Electron microscopy - Biolog Microstation
Extremophiles (contd) • Future Research Bacteria community (surface/subsurface) - Isolate & identify 16S rRNA gene segment DNA sequencing - Degradation of wastes - Bioremediation of heavy metal
Craney Island Project • Craney Island Project Objective: - study & characterize bacterial comm - Study degradation of petroleum products resulting from shipping activities in bay area
Potential Bioremediation Isolate • Antimicrobial producing Air IsolateCharacterized & identified - Has unique colony & cellular characteristics Future project - Use in Bioremediation of heavy metal contamination
Sub-Project 2: Heavy Metal interactions with bio-solids – Dr. Isai T. Urasa, Co-PI This project is focused on investigating the interaction of heavy metals with waste water sludge.It seeks to elucidate • The Mechanisms involved • Role of microorganisms • Possible application in remediation
Sub-Project 3: Mixed-phase interactions with Clays – Dr. Wing H. Leung, Co-PI The objective of this project is to create solid phases with multi-functionalities for use in characterizing mixed contaminants. The focus is on • Modified clay surfaces and characterization of these surfaces for • Immobilization of organic and inorganic contaminants
Sub-Project 4: Plant Accumulation of Heavy Metals – Dr. Barbara Shipes, Co-PI This project is focused on • Use of higher level plants (e.g., Phragmites communis) in heavy metal uptake • Study of the mechanisms involved in heavy metal transport, and • Application of the process in remediation