NIRT: Response of aquatic and terrestrial microorganisms to carbon-based manufactured nanoparticles.

Purdue University, West Lafayette IN

Investigators

Abstract

The overall goal of this project is to investigate the effect of carbon-based manufactures nanomaterials on the ecology and toxicity of aquatic and soil microorganisms. The research plan include four objectives: (1) solubility studies: behavior in natural materials, redistributions, and stability; (2) enviro-toxicology: protocol development, aquatic bacterial response, chemical and metabolites, estrogenecity; (3) effects: microbial biomass structure and function, impacts; and(4) mass balance and fungal utilization. The carbon-based nanomaterials will include fullerenes, fullerones, single-walled carbon nanotubes, soluble nanotubes, and silver and gold doped carbon nanotubes. The educational outreach program will concentrate on the development of modules for K-12 students and teachers. A website will be developed and promoted to help teachers, students and the public to understand the environmental fate and impact of manufactured nanoparticles.