Soil Remediation with Cross-Linked Amphiphilic Nano-Particles

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

PI: Claude Cohen Institution: Cornell University Proposal Number: 0086754 This project involves the study of the use of novel cross-linked amphophilic polymer nano-particles in the removal of hydrophobic organic pollutants from contaminated soil. The experimental effort will be directed toward polymer synthesis, polymer characterization, and laboratory evaluations of the fate and transport of amphiphilic polymer networks in porous media, and of their efficacy in the removal of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds that will be employed as model hydrophobic organic contaminants. Polymer networks can be prepared in nano-size scale by cross-linking droplets in an oil-in-water suspension. Preliminary experiments have demonstrated that polymer nano-particels have advantages over surfactants in soil remediation including low adsorption onto soil and greater extent of removal of PAHs.