ORCID

0000-0002-3496-2035

Keywords

Biosensor, Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), Electrochemical Sensor, Nanomaterial, Water Treatment

Abstract

This dissertation presents the development of novel nanomaterial-based platforms for bio-electrochemical sensing and photocatalytic treatment of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water, including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microcystin toxins. Conventional detection and remediation methods are often costly, time-consuming, and impractical for field use. To overcome these limitations, in this dissertation, five distinct platforms were designed, developed, and evaluated under various water conditions.

First, a microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensor was developed for detecting heavy metals (Cu2+ and Hg2+) and PAHs (benzene and xylene). The system exhibited rapid, linear responses, with mixed-culture biofilms improving sensitivity and recovery.

Second, a MoS2-chitosan-coated screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) enabled sensitive Mn2+ detection via square wave adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry. The sensor demonstrated a detection limit of 1.03 μg L-1 and strong performance in real water samples.

Third, an indirect PFAS sensing method using chloride ion-selective electrodes with ion-exchange resins allowed for scalable, low-cost PFAS screening through ion displacement. The system exploited the displacement of chloride ions by PFAS molecules, generating a measurable electrochemical signal. This platform demonstrated high potential for preliminary field assessments where direct PFAS detection is impractical.

Fourth, electrochemical sensors incorporating polyaniline (PANI), chitosan, NiO, and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were also developed. These achieved selective and sensitive detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), with limits as low as 0.38 μg L-1.

Lastly, a photocatalytic treatment platform using UV-Vis responsive platinum ditelluride (PtTe2) nanofilms was introduced for degrading microcystin-LR from harmful algal blooms. The PtTe2 films showed strong photocatalytic efficiency under simulated sunlight, with a degradation rate of up to 5.24 mg MC-LR/g-material·h.

Overall, these nanomaterial-enabled technologies offer rapid, sensitive, and scalable solutions for the monitoring and treatment of CECs, supporting improved water quality and public health protection.

Completion Date

2025

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Lee, Woo Hyoung

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering

Format

PDF

Release Date

2-15-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Subjects

Emerging contaminants in water; Environmental engineering--Research; Water--Purification--Photocatalysis; Water quality management--Technological innovations; Water pollution control industry--Technological innovations

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