Use of (bio) sensors specifically optimized for the analysis of priority and emerging contaminants in surface water

Supervisor: Prof.ssa Sabina Susmel
Co-supervisor: Dr.ssa Gloriana Cardinaletti

This research project intercepts the NRRP 's mission 2 (M2C4), particularly investment line 3.5, concentrating on the restoration of seabed and marine habitats. Additionally, it addresses the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC (i.e., descriptors D8 and D9), emphasizing the maintenance of pollutant concentrations and compliance with EU legislative standards.

There are a multitude of underlying factors that contribute to the degradation of marine water quality and environmental health. These factors include the intensification of human activity (i.e., anthropic pressure), the impacts of climate change, and the escalation of maritime traffic. This, over the last few years, has contributed to an increasing detection of a group of substances classified as emerging contaminants (ECs) in aqueous environments. These compounds include pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), personal care products (PCPs), priority contaminants (e.g., Hg, Pb), endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), artificial sweeteners (ASWs), and pesticides. There are no established standards for water treatment and wastewater discharge for some of these chemical derivatives, let alone protocols for collecting and measuring samples for their monitoring.

In the context of this three-year project, the objective is to assess the presence of selected pollutants in water samples collected at pilot sites in the Adriatic Sea, to identify selected ECs and to develop a (bio)sensor for a fast, inexpensive and field-based detection. Initially, the focus will be on an in-depth electrochemical characterization of selected EC molecules; with the information gathered, subsequent project phases will concentrate on the fabrication of a (bio)sensor against the selected ECs.

The biosensor will be designed with surface modifiers suitable for optimal electrochemical and/or optical measurements to ensure maximum sensitivity and robustness of the analytical data. Furthermore, the optimized (bio)sensor will be tested in controlled environments and, finally, in-situ determination aspects will also be considered to ensure that the device is suitable for use in monitoring processes. The results obtained from the sensor will be cross-checked with classical analytical methods (e.g. HPLC) to ensure data validation. Finally, in vivo studies on the influence of ECs on certain aquatic species are also taken into consideration.

Biography and Contacts

Email: vit.margherita@spes.uniud.it