Grant: Alliance Grants
York University
$40,000.00
Removal of Long-chain Perfluoro Carboxylic acids using Engineered metal-biochar-enzyme frameworks (MBEFs)
FY 2023-24
Summary
Biochar is the lightweight black residue, made of carbon and ashes, remaining after the pyrolysis of wood residues by CHAR biocarbon Inc. This biochar has a high surface area that can help to remove various contaminants from wastewater/water sources. And industries manufacture a diverse range of materials and products using long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) that are toxic. Exploiting the biochar properties, the engineering of metal-biochar-enzyme frameworks (MBEFs) has been to remove (by biochar) and degrade (by laccase enzyme) LC-PFCAs, which are the primary precursors for more persistent and toxic short-chain PFCAs that are possibly carcinogenic to humans. We propose to attach the laccase enzyme on biochar to create a hot spot for LC-PFCA to get captured on biochar and degraded by Laccase. To this end, the best ratios of each component, including biochar, laccase enzyme, and metal cofactors, will be determined. The developed technology will be tested for wastewater samples collected from York Region Municipality with possible pilot-scale testing on its successful development. This project will help Canada maintain its leadership role in clean water technology. The success of this work can lead to the expansion of biochar uses into the water sector, enhancing job opportunities and likewise providing clean and safe water for Canadians.
Program
Alliance Grants
Recipient
Location
Ontario, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
576804-2022
Name nom
Brar, Satinder Kaur SK
Department département
Lassonde School of Engineering
Organization id
38
Institution établissement
York University
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2023
Competition year année de concours
2022
Award amount
40000
Program id
ALLRP
Program name en
Alliance Grants
Program name fr
Subventions Alliance
Group en
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Group fr
PARTENARIATS DE RECHERCHE
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
400
Area of application group en
Environment
Area of application group fr
Environnement
Area of application en
Environment
Area of application fr
Environnement
Research subject code
1501
Research subject group en
Environmental engineering
Research subject group fr
Water quality, pollution
Research subject en
Génie de l'environnement
Research subject fr
Qualité de l'eau, pollution
Application title
Removal of Long-chain Perfluoro Carboxylic acids using Engineered metal-biochar-enzyme frameworks (MBEFs)
Keyword
Adsorption; Analytical Chemistry; Biochar; Degradation; Emerging contaminants; Enzymes; Immobilization; Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids; Metals; Water/Wastewater
Application summary
Biochar is the lightweight black residue, made of carbon and ashes, remaining after the pyrolysis of wood residues by CHAR biocarbon Inc. This biochar has a high surface area that can help to remove various contaminants from wastewater/water sources. And industries manufacture a diverse range of materials and products using long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (LC-PFCAs) that are toxic. Exploiting the biochar properties, the engineering of metal-biochar-enzyme frameworks (MBEFs) has been to remove (by biochar) and degrade (by laccase enzyme) LC-PFCAs, which are the primary precursors for more persistent and toxic short-chain PFCAs that are possibly carcinogenic to humans. We propose to attach the laccase enzyme on biochar to create a hot spot for LC-PFCA to get captured on biochar and degraded by Laccase. To this end, the best ratios of each component, including biochar, laccase enzyme, and metal cofactors, will be determined. The developed technology will be tested for wastewater samples collected from York Region Municipality with possible pilot-scale testing on its successful development. This project will help Canada maintain its leadership role in clean water technology. The success of this work can lead to the expansion of biochar uses into the water sector, enhancing job opportunities and likewise providing clean and safe water for Canadians.
