Seminar on 'Microcystin-LR Removal from Water' Friday
Audie Thompson
Professor Audie Thompson of the University of Arkansas will give a seminar titled "Microcystin-LR removal from water via enzymatic linearization and ultrafiltration" on Zoom from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, April 8. Everyone is welcome to attend the seminar individually via Zoom or to come to CHEM 144, where the seminar can be viewed in person with other attendees. The talk is free and open to the public.
Thompson is an assistant professor in the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering here at the U of A. Her research investigates remediation strategies for microcystin-tainted water by combining linearization of microcystin (MC-LR) to a low-toxicity byproduct and removal by membrane filtration. Current global outbreaks of cyanobacterial blooms are due to the emergence of their toxic byproducts. MC-LR, a hepatotoxin, is considered the most toxic byproduct because it bioaccumulates and biomagnifies in aquatic environments leading to adverse side effects in higher-order organisms. It has been associated with inhibiting protein phosphatases, disrupting the formation of the cytoskeletons, promoting oxidative stress, and liver tumors leading to liver cancers.
Thompson's group has used an enzyme, MlrA, to linearize MC-LR, followed by ultrafiltration with a composite 5% polysulfone and 5%sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) membrane. Tests were also performed to measure the adsorption and desorption of MC-LR on polysulfone/SPEEK membranes. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to characterize the progress of linearization and removal of MC-LR.
Results indicate that the MlrA was successful at linearizing MC-LR. Membrane filtration tests rejected 97% of cyclic MC-LR and virtually all linearized MC-LR, with adsorption to the membranes being the primary rejection mechanism. Adsorption/desorption tests indicated that methanol could be used to strip residual MC-LR from membranes to regenerate them. The results showed that coupling the two systems can facilitate the recyclability of the enzyme and enhance enzyme properties such as viability and stability.
To attend the seminar, please visit the Zoom link.
- Meeting ID: 837 3375 9275
- Passcode: Two+Two=5
Topics
Contacts
Megan Parette, communication specialist
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
479-575-4601,
mbparett@uark.edu
Headlines
Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences
A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.
Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery
Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.
College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer
Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.
Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected
Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.
Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research
Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.