Analytical & Environmental Research Group

Antoin Lawlor is currently a research fellow with the analytical and environmental research group. He’s expertise is in the area of environmental sampling and monitoring. This means that he’s contribution directly benefits the Marine Institute and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) projects. Antoin will undertake monitoring programmes for pathogens using sensors in 2008 and the Water Framework Directive (WFD) with River Basin District (RBD) from May 2008.

Emma is currently conducting postgraduate research within the School of Chemical Sciences. Her Research involves the development of novel antifouling materials for environmental monitoring applications.

Biofilms develop on sensors and optical windows when submerged in the aqueous environment, impeading the collection of data. The aim of this project is to develop novel anti-fouling materials for application on environmenatal monitoring equipment. These materials will result in improved data, less maintence and increased deployment times.

Her work is funded by the EPA STRIVE Programme.

The project involves developing sensitive, selective and portable chemical optical sensor for the determination of heavy metal ions in aqueous environments.

Due to the explosive use of the toxic heavy metal in industries, there is a growing threat to the health of the population. The development of optical sensors for the determination of heavy metal ions is a tremendously and fast growing area of research.

The simple plasticized polymer membrane which immobilizes with chromo-ionophore and sensing addictive ions can be stuck directly into the sample, and the results of the measurement are displayed within a short time. No sampling, addition of reagent or dilution is required.

The sensing devices are of miniturised size and therefore portable in comparison to conventional instruments. These conditions make optical chemical sensors suitable for in-field sensing.

Her work is funded by the Questor Centre.

The main focus of her research is the study of the photo initiator, bis(2,4,6-trimetylbenzoyl)phenyl-phosphine oxide, using an array of UV spectroscopy and chromatographic techniques: HPLC,CE and LC- MS to determine its characteristics. The effect of solvents (ACN, ethyl cyanoacetate, ethyl cyanoarcylate), stabilizer and strong and weak acids and different ambient conditions will be studied, together with time stability and inhibition studies. Her work is supported by an industrial partner.

The project is preliminarily entitled: “Novel anti-fouling strategies based on materials doped with nano-particles for use in environmental monitoring technologies”. James project is funded by the Questor centre.

This is an analytical research project whereby novel materials and methods will be encompassed to counter effects of biofouling and biocorrosion in salt and freshwater environments.

The project will use natural product based chemicals, either extracted from nature or exemplified in mimicking the way in which nature combats the problem of biofouling. An element of nanotechnology will also be employed in the research to further combat the biofouling problem.

Tim’s project is funded though the Beaufort Marine Institute award scheme. The aim ultimately is to test novel materials on sensors and pipe work affected by fouling and corrosion.

The project focuses on the development of novel antifouling materials and systems to replace the current environmentally toxic systems that have recently been banned, with a specific view towards preventing biofouling on optical environmental sensor windows in the marine environment.

The initial goal is to study the microtopographic surfaces of marine aquatic organisms that show anti-fouling capability, with the aim of mimicking such surface topographies. The project will then move on to the study and isolation of novel antifouling chemicals from natural products that will inhibit settlement.

This project is a study of “Novel Passive sampling devices for the monitoring of priority pollutants”. The project involves the design, characterisation and use of novel materials as passive samplers for our waters. The EPA has identified a list of priority pollutants. This list comprises pesticides, hydrocarbons, metals etc. Many of these compounds enter our waters via municipal wastewater. It is desirable to ascertain the composition of this material in relation to the priority pollutants present. Passive sampling materials may assist in the enrichment of these chemicals from the wastewaters and receiving waters. Samples will also be collected and analysed using conventional analytical methods

Rachel is funded by the EPA STRIVE Programme.

Fiona is a final year degree project student studying Analytical Science. The aim of her project is to investigate and develop sensing materials for metal ions. Several ligands are examined and their complexation with a range of environmentally relevant metal ions will be studied, particularly magnesium and calcium ions due to their contribution to water hardness.

Materials containing these ligands will then be tested in order to determine their potential for metal ion sensing. These methods will then be validated using AAS and UV-Vis Spectrometry.

Audrey joined DCU in September 2006 and has been working on the SmartCoast project. Audrey’s main duties in SmartCoast include the project cost statements, producing three project bulletins website planning and user group interactions. Audrey’s role is research project management which allows her to contribute to projects under the EPA, Marine Institute and Enterprise Ireland related research.

Yinka was awarded the Hamilton Scholarship by the NCSR in 2006 and joined the analytical team as a Research Assistant

The aim of the project was to develop passive sampling materials for the screening of priority pollutants. The materials were synthesized in the form of polymer films and analysed using IR spectrometry.

Yinka currently works as a Health and Safety Officer for the group as well as managing the group website.

She is currently in her final year doing her undergraduate project in ‘the use of infrared spectrometry in the development of sensors for BTEX compounds in the environment’.

Nicoletta Loliscio is a final year student of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Technology at Alma Mater Studiorum, University in Bologna, Italy. She is currently working on an undergraduate research project titled "Determination of Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory and anti-lipidemics drugs in the aquatic environment". She is visiting DCU for six months under Erasmus and will complete her degree project with the Analytical & Environmental Science group.