Nanoparticle Delivery Vehicles for Groundwater Remediation : Sustainability Evaluation through Biodegradation Studies

Abstract

The use of biodegradable polymer coated iron nanoparticles for groundwater remediation is an emerging area of research. A polymer coating increases colloidal stability of the nanoparticles.The lack of biodegradation of the conventional polymers used to coat nanoparticles is a major concern, and limits the application of nanotechnology for groundwater remediation. The authors have synthesized a soybean oil based biodegradable amphiphilic copolymer that improves the colloidal stability of the nanoparticles in aqueous environment. A mixed culture of bacteria is used in biodegradation studies, and biochemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, and reduction in molecular weight of the copolymer have been monitored over time. Microbial growth studies indicate that the microorganisms responsible for the degradation can survive on the copolymer as the only carbon source.