Virtual Technology Fair: Lead (Pb) Detection and Treatment for Water (Oct 28, 2024)
The NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) presents a "Virtual Technology Fair" featuring Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant recipients developing innovative solutions for lead (and other metals) in water. Speakers will give a "pitch", showcasing the work underway and its value-added to disrupt the market. We encourage participation by and questions from potential end-users, customers, and other stakeholders to accelerate technology transfer of these promising approaches. To learn more about the NIEHS SBIR program, please see the SRP Funding Opportunities webpage. To learn more about and register for other SRP events, please visit the SRP events website. Presentation Summaries: NIEHS SBIR Funding Opportunities: the NIEHS Superfund Research Program's Heather Henry, PhD, will provide an overview of the NIEHS SBIR program, including information for potential applicants. GlycoSurf, LLC: Chett Boxley, Ph.D., and Raina Maier, Ph.D., of GlycoSurf, LLC, will discuss technologies developed to remove uranium, lead, and rare earth elements from both groundwater and complex mining solutions. With funding from an SBIR grant, GlycoSurf researchers collaborated with scientists at the University of Arizona and Wayne State University to develop environmentally friendly glycolipid surfactants to remove metal from aqueous mining wastestreams. They have developed two approaches: an ion flotation process in which surfactants complex with target metals and are removed from the solution with bubbles, and a functionalized resin technology that removes metals through a selective sorption process. ElectraMet: Lindsay Boehme, Ph.D., of PowerTech Water, Inc. (d/b/a/ ElectraMet), will discuss an electrochemical POU device designed to remove lead from water. Developed with funding from an SBIR grant, the device uses activated carbon electrodes and a small electrical current to induce reactions that remove lead from the water. The device will fit under a standard sink, have an attainable price point, and be able to process more water than current treatment options. Stemloop, Inc.: Khalid Alam, Ph.D., of Stemloop, Inc., will discuss an innovative monitoring technology that provides users with on-site and on-demand monitoring of lead in drinking water. Developed with funding from an SBIR grant, the team's paper-based devices use repurposed biological sensor proteins that produce detectable signals when lead is present. Adding water activates the device to produce a visual signal when lead is present. NanoAffix Science, LLC: James Hill, Ph.D., of NanoAffix Science, LLC, will discuss the NAFX Handheld Lead Tester. With funding from an SBIR grant, the device was developed in response to the lead laden drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Relying on innovations in accurate particulate lead predictions, sensor device uniformity, and calibration accuracy, the NAFX Handheld Lead Tester is the first of its kind to offer users accurate, cheap, and fast detection of all three types of lead: total lead (indicative of overall toxicity), soluble lead (indicative of slow leaching of lead), and particulate lead (indicative of sporadic flaking of lead). To view this archive online or download the slides associated with this seminar, please visit http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/SRP-VTF-Pb_102824/
