01/27/2022
By Sokny Long

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, invites you to attend a doctoral proposal defense by Hesameddin Azimi on “Development of Votammetric Methodologies for the Rapid Detection of Paraquat, Methyl Parathion, Fenamiphos and Methomyl."

PhD Candidate: Hesameddin Azimi
Defense Date: Friday, Feb. 4, 2022
Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: This will be a virtual defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending should contact hesameddin_azimi@student.uml.edu, and committee advisor, pradeep_kurup@uml.edu, at least 24 hours prior to the defense to request access to the meeting.

Committee Chair (Advisor): Pradeep U. Kurup, Professor, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UMass Lowell

Committee Members:

  • Clifford Bruell, Professor, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UMass Lowell
  • Xiaoqi Zhang, Professor, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, UMass Lowell
  • David Ryan, Professor, Department of Chemistry, UMass Lowell

Abstract
In recent years, researchers have utilized electroanalytical methods, such as voltammetric analysis, as an alternative technique to rapidly detect pesticides in a cost-effective fashion. Electrochemical detection can achieve sensitive and accurate determination of various analytes offering a promising alternative to conventional detection methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography or gas chromatography. These voltammetric methodologies combined with miniature electronics can significantly enhance on-site detection of pesticides, enabling more frequent and widespread testing. This doctoral research proposes developing voltammetric methodologies to detect Paraquat (PQ), Methyl Parathion (MP), Fenamiphos (FNP), and Methomyl. So far, methodologies to detect PQ, MP, FNP and, Methomyl in deionized water using cyclic voltammetry were developed. Then these methods were enhanced by optimizing the parameters and using square wave voltammetry. An inexpensive un-modified screen-printed electrode was used as the electrode of choice for detecting PQ and MP. To enhance the detection of FNP and Methomyl, the bare electrode was modified using Nafion-multiwalled carbon nanotubes/titanium dioxide and, Nafion-Copper oxide, respectively. This study enhanced these pesticides detection limits to meet the United States military exposure thresholds by optimizing the testing parameters. A calibration curve was developed for each chemical using optimized parameters. Later, the developed detection techniques will be investigated in other media such as NSF general test water.

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