04/07/2021
By Sokny Long

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Connor Sullivan on “Development of Voltammetric Methodologies for the Rapid Environmental Detection of Cadmium, Copper, Arsenic and Selenium."

Ph.D. Candidate: Connor Sullivan
Defense Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m. EST
Location: This will be a virtual defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending should contact connor_sullivan1@student.uml.edu and committee advisor, pradeep_kurup@uml.edu, at least 24 hours prior to the defense to request access to the meeting.

Dissertation Title: Development of Voltammetric Methodologies for the Rapid Environmental Detection of Cadmium, Copper, Arsenic, And Selenium

Committee Chair (Advisor): Pradeep Kurup, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Committee Members:

  • Clifford Bruell, Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Ramaswamy Nagarajan, Professor, Department of Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Christopher Drew, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command

Brief Abstract:

Aqueous inorganic contaminants, such as cadmium(II), arsenic(III), copper(II), and selenium(IV), present a major threat to human and environmental health. To ensure widespread testing and detection of these contaminations, there is a need for inexpensive methods for rapid onsite detection of these contaminants. Voltammetric methods using disposable screen-printed electrodes present a promising option for onsite detection of cadmium(II), arsenic(III), copper(II), and selenium(IV). To fully utilize the potential of voltammetry, methodologies for the simultaneously detection of analytes are required.

This thesis discusses two studies to develop methods for rapid simultaneous analysis of mixed analyte solutions. The first study developed a method for the detection of arsenic(III) in the presence of copper(II) concentrations as high as 1.3 ppm. This methodology was developed by optimizing the sample pH, deposition time, deposition voltage, and loading of gold nanostars on the surface of the working electrode. This optimized methodology was tested in solutions with common interferences and the performance of this methodology was compared with atomic absorption spectroscopy in river water and tap water. The second study developed a methodology for the simultaneous detection of cadmium(II), arsenic(III), and selenium(IV). First the optimal reagent for simultaneous detection of the three analytes was selected. Next, the behavior of the analytes in single and mixed analyte solutions was studied. The performance of the methodology with common interference and in samples of river water was evaluated. Finally, a data analysis program for the automatic detection and measurement of peak height was developed and tested.

All interested students and faculty members are invited to attend the online defense via remote access.