URI_Research_Magazine_2012-2013_Melissa-McCarthy

Vinka Oyanedel-Craver, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering

the disinfection effectiveness of silver nanoparticles, which today are commonly added to clothing, plastics and medicines, among other products, to prevent the growth of bacteria. More than 240 products are known to contain silver nanoparticles. With a three-year $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), she has been looking at how different environmental conditions, such as water chemical characteristics, affect the disinfection performance using silver nanoparticles, which is not completely understood even though they are widely used. On the other hand, it is essential to evaluate the possible negative effect of this novel material once released in the environment, which is also one of the priorities of Oyanedel-Craver’s research. “We cannot solve a problem with something that could be adverse for the environment in the future,” she says. Her research in this area could help the development of cheap and easy to use point-of-use water treatment technologies that could be deployed during emergency situations. Other current research projects in which Oyanedel-Craver is participating include trying to produce a more environmentally safe surfactant for oil,

which can be used in the aftermath of oil spills. With $50,000 in NSF funding, Oyanedel-Craver is also studying the behavior of nanoparticles in rare earth, which could be used in MRI’s to improve the definition of images, among other purposes. Past research projects have included looking at salt water recycling for brine production at road salt storage facilities and studying the environmental implications of using chemical compounds to remove graffiti from Rhode Island’s highways. Underlying all of them is the same motivation: The desire to ask the questions no one else is asking. “I want to know how we can limit our effect on the environment,” she said.

To be effective, wastewater management systems need to be designed to match the education level and economic status of the communities they serve.

URI Research: Impacting Rhode Island Economic Development 23