The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, is seeking applications for research to develop and demonstrate nanosensor technology with the potential to detect, monitor and degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater or surface water that may be used as drinking water sources.
PFAS are long-lasting chemicals that are widely used in an array of consumer, commercial, and industrial products. Due to widespread use and persistence in the environment, PFAS are commonly found in air, soil, and water. There is evidence that continued exposure to PFAS, even at low levels, can cause harmful health effects.
Advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology have the potential to address the challenges of detection and treatment of PFAS-contaminated waters. Nanomaterials are smaller in size, larger in surface area, and are more easily manipulated and dispersed in water than conventional materials, making them useful for environmental sensing and management. Using nanotechnology may help to build better environmental sensors by reducing cost, improving efficiency and increasing selectivity. Nanotechnology may also be used to degrade PFAS in a way that does not create toxic by-products.
Deadline: Nov. 13, 2024
Applications must address both of the following research areas:
- Develop and demonstrate nanosensor technology to detect and monitor PFAS in drinking water sources
- Develop and demonstrate nanosensor technology with functionalized catalysts to degrade PFAS
Public and private nonprofit institutions/organizations, public and private institutions of higher education (IHEs), and hospitals located in the U.S. and its territories or possessions; state and local governments; Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments; and U.S. territories or possessions are eligible to apply. Profit-making firms and individuals are not eligible to apply.
If an applicant submits more than one application under this announcement, each application must be submitted separately, and the scope of work proposed in each application must be significantly different from the other application(s) in order for them to all be deemed eligible. If applications are submitted with scopes of work that do not significantly differ, then EPA will only accept the most recently submitted application and all other applications will be deemed ineligible.
It is anticipated that a total of approximately $1,500,000 will be awarded under this announcement, depending on the availability of funds, quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations. The EPA anticipates funding approximately one award under this funding opportunity. Requests for amounts in excess of a total of $1,500,000 per award, including direct and indirect costs, will not be considered. The total project period requested in an application submitted for this funding opportunity may not exceed three years.