Synthetic/Biosynthetic Phase Transfer Polymers For Pollution Minimization, Remediation, and Waste Management

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-6-1994

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

School

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Abstract

The ultimate goal of this interdisciplinary proposal is the development of phase transfer polymers capable of efficient removal of water- borne pollutants from inadvertent spills or waste discharge in naval environments. Targets include petroleum based fuels and lubricants and gray water contaminants such as surfactants and oils. The polymers will be specifically tailored by synthetic or biosynthetic techniques to possess pH- responsive, hydrophobic domains which would allow capture, sequestration, and subsequent separation of foulants from water. The polymers can be recovered in the separation stage by simple pH change and can be recycled the biopolymers proposed have the additional attribute of being biodegradable. By contrast, traditional small molecule surfactants are ineffective at high dilution for phase transfer, are virtually unrecoverable, and resist biodegradation.

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