03/15/2023
By Danielle Fretwell

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, invites you to attend a Doctoral Dissertation defense by Hesameddin Azimi on "Development Of Voltammetric Methodologies For The Rapid Detection Of Paraquat, Methyl Parathion, Fenamiphos, And Methomyl."

Candidate Name: Hesameddin Azimi
Degree: Doctoral
Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Time: 3-5 p.m. Eastern
Location: Southwick SO 240, Francis College of Engineering

Committee:

  • Advisor: Prof. Pradeep U. Kurup, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UMass Lowell
  • Prof. Clifford J. Bruell, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UMass Lowell
  • Prof. Xiaoqi (Jackie) Zhang, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UMass Lowell
  • Prof. David K. Ryan, College of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, UMass Lowell
  • Eric Brack, Chemist, U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center

Brief 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. Voltammetric methodologies to detect paraquat (PQ), methyl parathion (MP), fenamiphos (FNP), and methomyl were developed in this research. This study enhanced the detection limits for these pesticides to meet the United States military exposure thresholds by optimizing the testing parameters. A calibration curve was developed for each chemical using the optimized parameters. Subsequently, the performance of the developed detection techniques was investigated and confirmed in more complex aqueous media such as NSF general test water and challenge test water.