Activities
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element whose primary route of contamination in humans occurs through diet, with fish typically being the source with the highest accumulated concentrations. Consequently, aquatic environments contaminated with this element are part of the initial chain of potentially toxic bioaccumulation. This project aims to produce composites from recycled PET material functionalized with iron oxide nanoparticles to remediate waters contaminated with Hg. To achieve this, the nanoparticles will be synthesized, characterized, and functionalized within the recycled thermomaterial. Adsorption isotherm studies will be conducted, as well as studies on the adsorption capacity of the produced material. Water quality parameters will also be considered in the studies, aiming to match the model with contaminated and non-contaminated natural systems. All Hg measurements will be carried out using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV AAS). This study is expected to provide a new use for discarded PET materials (circular economy) and, more importantly, propose an in situ remediation system for mercury-contaminated waters. Additionally, remediation and/or minimization processes for mercury in soil and food samples, such as fish, will be developed, as these are environmental issues affecting riverine populations and indigenous peoples in mining areas.
Skills
Proactivity
Teamwork
Technical knowledge and continuous learning
Flexibility and adaptability to change
Commitment
Effective communication
