Current methods of controlling blue-green algae in water resources are not efficient or sustainable. In this project, we focus on harmful blue green algal blooms to show how nanobiotechnology can be used to understand our environment and its interactions with harmful organisms such as cyanobacteria and allow for pollutant or chemical detection with improved sensitivity.

•  Our NanoVaders are designed to sense chemicals released by the harmful algae, detect the presence of nitrates and phosphates in the water, and absorb these chemicals to prevent the growth of cyanobacteria. 

• We will use iron oxide nanoparticles because they have been shown to be effective at absorbing phosphates and other water contaminants.

•  Iron oxide nanoparticles have “high adsorption capacity for several contaminants in water” and these characteristics give them unique properties “such as high reactivity, selectivity, large surface area, a high grade of functionalization” (Trivedi & Bergi, 2021; Khan et al., 2019). 

• Our iron oxide nanoparticles will have a combination of surface coatings that can detect polymers, organic compounds, inorganic compounds, and bioactive molecules. 

• NanoVaders will be designed to collect data and information so that we can monitor the water quality and detect cyanobacteria before it gets out of control. 

• We will have computer software that will allow us to detect if there’s any problem. 

• We will also use solar panels to garner energy needed for the NanoVader to move. This will minimize the amount of pollution created because solar panels use green or renewable energy. 

 

Why Choose Our Technology?

• The NanoVader is 100% energy efficient (uses green energy)

• Eco-friendly 

• Chemical-free

• Affordable

• It is a great technology because it will allow for water quality monitoring as well as controlling the source of blue-green algae blooms- phosphates and nitrates