IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF IONIC POLLUTANTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL WATER

Abstract

This dissertation depicts research efforts aimed at developing analytical methods for the determination of both cationic and anionic pollutants in environmental water. In chapter 2, a DNA-based molecular beacon fluorescent sensor was demonstrated for the detection of a cationic pollutant, namely Hg2+, with tunable detection range. This sensor can easily detect Hg2+ in the presence of other metal ions. It is potentially useful for on-site detection in environmental applications involving different concentration ranges. In chapter 3, a label-free DNAzyme-based quartz crystal microbalance biosensor, with oligonucleotide-functionalized gold nanoparticles-enhancement, was demonstrated for detection of another cationic pollutant, i.e. Pb2+. This biosensor showed high selectivity toward Pb2+ ions. The detection strategy would provide an opportunity for ?pollution-free? and on-line detection of metal ions in water. In chapter 4, a highly sensitive two-dimensional ion chromatography (IC) method was demonstrated for detection of anionic disinfection by-products. This method is fully automated, which would allow for high throughput analysis of disinfection by-products by IC with minimal intervention by operator.