Assessing the Sorption of Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals to Activated Carbon

Project Title

Assessing the Sorption of Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals to Activated Carbon

 

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

Project Description: 

PFAS are highly fluorinated compounds that are increasingly concerning due to their high stability and contamination within surface water and drinking water sources. Sorption is an effective way to remove PFAS from water, but the performance of sorbents on removing other fluorinated compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, is not well-studied. We are focused on utilizing activated carbon as the sorption tool for fluoxetine, sitagliptin, and efavirenz. I am assisting with developing sorption kinetics and sorption isotherm experiments, and using HPLC-DAD to measure the pharmaceuticals.

Why is your research important?

The research being conducted within the Bowers lab allows us to better understand the fate and transport of fluorinated pharmaceuticals that share a similar chemical structure to PFAS. The lab defines fate as the chemical byproducts of fluorinated pharmaceuticals when under photolysis. Transport is defined as how fluorinated pharmaceuticals react in different environmental spheres. 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

For this winter term, I was in the transport side of the lab. I would conduct several kinetic sorption experiments and isotherm experiments on different pharmaceuticals. For the sorption tool I used commercially available powdered activated carbon. The pharmaceuticals that the lab was focused on were sitagliptin, fluoxetine, and efavirenz, but I was mostly working with fluoxetine. After I finished each experiment I would then measure it in our HPLC. Besides conducting my own experiments, I would assist my labmates with their own experiments and any housekeeping that needed to be done. 

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

The research being conducted in the Bowers lab will allow outside researchers to understand how effective adsorption will be when exposed to fluorinated pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, it would build a better understanding of fluorinated substances for water treatment plants when they eventually implement activated carbon adsorption. 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

Through the STRONG program, I was able to present my research experience through their Winter Term STRONG Research Symposium. I got to showcase my research to different STEM faculty and students. 

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college?

I was provided with the opportunity to conduct research through the STRONG program. As a STRONG scholar, I was matched with a STEM mentor who I would conduct research with during the winter term. 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

Honestly, I really enjoyed the entire research process including my failures. The Bowers lab allowed me to experience the authentic research process and what I would be doing in the future. 

How has working with your mentor impacted the development of your research project? How has it impacted you as a researcher?

Prof. Bowers allowed me to work on my own and understand how the research process started. She showed me that research isn’t just working in a lab, but also reading research papers and analyzing data. As a researcher, it allowed me to fully appreciate and understand the work that researchers do. 

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

The research that I conducted allowed me to build self-confidence and develop my lab techniques. Academically, writing down my results and processes within a notebook allowed me to improve my organization and note-taking skills. 

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

For students with no prior research experience (like myself), I would tell them to not be discouraged and that they should rely on their peers and mentors. In the beginning, it will be difficult adjusting to a new environment, but in the long run it will be worth it.