Grant: Research Tools and Instruments
Queen's University
$137,458.00
Nanobubble Technologies for Emerging Microbial and Chemical Contaminants Removal
EF 2024-25
Résumé
Emerging microbial and chemical contaminants (EMCCs), which are unregulated but pose serious risks to both the environment and human health, present a global challenge, contributing to complex drinking water concerns. Despite these risks, research gaps remain, and there is an urgent need for sustainable, cost-effective technologies for EMCC removal. In line with UNDP Sustainable Development Goal 6, and to advance Queen's commitment to water safety and sanitation for all, the Environmental Group of the Department of Civil Engineering at Queen's University has established a world-class research group focused on developing nanobubble (NB) technologies for EMCC removal from environmental systems. Target contaminants include toxic cyanobacteria, cyanopeptides, antibiotic-resistant genes, opportunistic pathogens, and PFAS-each linked to severe health impacts like immune failure, cancer, and death.
The proposed Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) instrument is crucial for precise NB characterization (e.g., concentration, size, zeta potential), providing essential data for designing engineering systems, optimizing processes, and understanding EMCC removal mechanisms. This robust, versatile, and user-friendly tool will support multiple projects and streamline training for researchers and Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP). Its innovations have the potential to revolutionize water treatment and on-site remediation across Canada, positioning Queen's as a national and international leader in NB-based EMCC removal technologies, advancing cutting-edge knowledge and reinforcing Canada's leadership in tackling global environmental challenges.
Once available, the NTA instrument will be heavily utilized by the environmental group and other Queen's researchers, supporting the training of over 55 HQP in the next five years. Usage is expected to grow with the network of the Beaty Water Research Centre (BWRC), and promotion through platforms such as the engineering newsletter and Queen's Research Discovery Network (QRDN), ensuring broad access and training opportunities for researchers and their students.
Programme
Research Tools and Instruments
Bénéficiaire
Emplacement
Ontario, Canada
Type de bénéficiaire
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
Tel que publié
Application id
RTI-2025-00218
Name nom
Xin, Xiaying
Department département
Department of Civil Engineering
Organization id
29
Institution établissement
Queen's University
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2024
Competition year année de concours
2025
Award amount
137458
Program id
RTI
Program name en
Research Tools and Instruments
Program name fr
Outils et instruments de recherche
Group en
DISCOVERY RESEARCH
Group fr
RECHERCHE AXÉE SUR LA DÉCOUVERTE
Committee code
1609
Committee name en
Engineering (RTI)
Committee name fr
Génie (OIR)
Area of application code
1206
Area of application group en
Advancement of knowledge
Area of application group fr
Avancement des connaissances
Area of application en
Engineering
Area of application fr
Génie
Research subject code
1502
Research subject group en
Environmental engineering
Research subject group fr
Génie de l'environnement
Research subject en
Waste water treatment
Research subject fr
Traitement des eaux usées
Field of research list names en
Not available
Field of research list names fr
Non disponible
Socioeconomic objective list names en
Not available
Socioeconomic objective list names fr
Non disponible
Application title
Nanobubble Technologies for Emerging Microbial and Chemical Contaminants Removal
Keywords
nanobubble technologies; emerging contaminant; water treatment; environmental remediation; drinking water distribution system; premise plumbing
Application summary
Emerging microbial and chemical contaminants (EMCCs), which are unregulated but pose serious risks to both the environment and human health, present a global challenge, contributing to complex drinking water concerns. Despite these risks, research gaps remain, and there is an urgent need for sustainable, cost-effective technologies for EMCC removal. In line with UNDP Sustainable Development Goal 6, and to advance Queen's commitment to water safety and sanitation for all, the Environmental Group of the Department of Civil Engineering at Queen's University has established a world-class research group focused on developing nanobubble (NB) technologies for EMCC removal from environmental systems. Target contaminants include toxic cyanobacteria, cyanopeptides, antibiotic-resistant genes, opportunistic pathogens, and PFAS-each linked to severe health impacts like immune failure, cancer, and death.
The proposed Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) instrument is crucial for precise NB characterization (e.g., concentration, size, zeta potential), providing essential data for designing engineering systems, optimizing processes, and understanding EMCC removal mechanisms. This robust, versatile, and user-friendly tool will support multiple projects and streamline training for researchers and Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP). Its innovations have the potential to revolutionize water treatment and on-site remediation across Canada, positioning Queen's as a national and international leader in NB-based EMCC removal technologies, advancing cutting-edge knowledge and reinforcing Canada's leadership in tackling global environmental challenges.
Once available, the NTA instrument will be heavily utilized by the environmental group and other Queen's researchers, supporting the training of over 55 HQP in the next five years. Usage is expected to grow with the network of the Beaty Water Research Centre (BWRC), and promotion through platforms such as the engineering newsletter and Queen's Research Discovery Network (QRDN), ensuring broad access and training opportunities for researchers and their students.
