This document summarizes a nanotechnology research project investigating how factors like leachate composition and nanomaterial type affect the production of reactive oxygen species. The researcher hypothesized that ROS would be produced when TiO2 nanoparticles are suspended in water with UV light or in leachate solutions in sunlight. Through experiments using pCBA, TiO2 powder, UV lamps, and controls, the researcher developed a method showing TiO2 induces ROS in the presence of UV light. Future work could explore ROS generation from consumer products and different nanomaterials in leachate at various concentrations. The researcher also gained valuable experience learning laboratory skills and procedures over the course of the project.

1. E L I Z A B E T H S H E L A R
SUMMER OF
NANOTECHNOLOGY

2. RESEARCH QUESTION
Do factors such as leachate composition
and type of nanomaterial effect the
reactive oxygen species (ROS; hydroxyl
radical, singlet oxygen, and superoxide)
producing capabilities of these
nanomaterials?

3. HYPOTHESES
If there are concentrations of TiO2
nanoparticles suspended in a water solution
in UV light, then ROS will be produced.
If there are concentrations of nanoparticles
in a leachate solution in the sunlight then
ROS will be produced.

4. PATHWAY
 Discoveries
 Experimental set-ups
 Finally a method is produced
We should only rely on the sun for UV light
 A new researcher is born

5. DISCOVERIES
1. A type of TiO2 powder will sorb to pCBA
2. pCBA will sorb to a type of filter
3. ROS production will level off by using less TiO2
4. UV lamps have different intensity
5. Sampling frequency: every hour
6. Make-up doesn’t dissolve
7. Sunscreen doesn’t dissolve
8. No ROS (hydroxyl radicals) is generated in 50 mL of humic
acid
9. UV intensity happened to decreased over time
10.Use the sun for UV: most reliable

6. EXPERIMENTAL SET UP
 6, 600mL beakers
 UV lamps
 stir plates
 3 sockets, 3
clamps, 3 ring
stands
 aluminum foil
 500 mL of pCBA
 0.125g of TiO2
powder

7. THE FINAL METHOD
1 pCBA+TiO2, +UV
5 controls: pCBA+UV, DI
water+TiO2+UV, no UV
8 hourly samples
1 sample taken the next
morning
TiO2 induces ROS in the
presence of UV light:
Priceless
0.000
0.010
0.020
0.030
0.040
0.050
0.060
0.070
0.080
0.090
0.100
0.110
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Concentration(mM)
t (hours)
TIME VS CONCENTRATION
Control: UV,pCBA
Experiment:
UV,pCBA,TiO2
Control: UV, DI,
TIO2
Control: dark,pCBA
Control:
dark,pCBA,TiO2
Control:
dark,DI,TiO2

9. 23-May 30-May 6-Jun 13-Jun 20-Jun 27-Jun 4-Jul 11-Jul 18-Jul 25-Jul 1-Aug 8-Aug
Orientation
Investigate UV lamps & analytical
methods
UV lamps (intensity/string together for
power source)
analyze HPLC method (pCBA)
Set up experiments
Deterimine TiO2 concentration and
type
Determine sampling frequency
First true test set: 6 total
With nanoparticles (+/- pCBA,
light/dark)
Without nanoparticles (+/- pCBA,
light/dark)
Test consumer products (sunscreen,
make-up)
Investigate different conditions
(leachate comp. & different
nanoparticles)
leachate composition (organic
matter/metals/salts)
different nanoparticles
Prepare for final presentation

10. FUTURE DISCOVERIES
 Test ROS generation of consumer
products with nanomaterials
 Test nanomaterials ability to generate
different ROS( singlet oxygen,
superoxides)
 Tests ROS generation of
nanomaterials in landfill leachate at
different concentrations
 Test effect of ROS on geomembranes

11. A NEW RESEARCHER IS BORN
A researcher isn’t just a person with an idea.
To be a researcher means:
 Demonstrating lab etiquette/safety knowledge
 Knowing victories are small and rare
 Learning from failures and many many setbacks
 Adapting to a lab environment (roll with the punches)
 Learning and constantly perfecting procedures
 Feeling comfortable in the lab
 Accepting help is necessary to succeed
 Constantly asking questions
 Being aware that no one is perfect and mistakes are part of the job

12. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you for the opportunity , Dr.
Berge and Dr. Pierce.