Adsorption of environmental pollutants on nanomaterials

Abstract

Nanomaterials have been used to remediate organic pollutants present in the water because they present high surface area and good solubility which allow to physical or chemically adsorb the pollutant molecules. The adsorption of the pollutant on the surface of the nanomaterial can reduce the concentration of the bioavailable pollutant in the environment and avoid potential damage to biological molecules. Graphene oxide (GO) is a nanomaterial that has been used in various applications due to its chemical versatility. In this interdisciplinary project we intend to investigate the capacity of the GO to adsorb an important carcinogenic compound, the 3-nitrobenzantrone (3-NBA). Found in various environmental matrices, the 3-NBA is mainly generated during the burning of fossil fuels. The 3-NBA is a genotoxic mutagen that forms DNA adducts, and is very potent in Salmonella / microsome tests (Ames test). We will use this bioassay to indirectly determine the degree of adsorption of the 3-NBA on GO sheets in water. Additionally, we will carry out molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the possible adsorption mechanisms. We aim to better understand the interaction 3-NBA/GO to create ways to maximize the adsorption capacity of the GO and make it a possible remediation material for environmental pollutants.