Anoxia is an environmental concern in natural waters that results from the microbial degradation of biomass from algae and other aquatic plants. The lack of dissolved oxygen affects the overall water quality as well as aquatic animals, which are detrimental to local economies through disruption of businesses and, ultimately, tourism. Several methods have been used to increase oxygen in waters including water fountains and aerators; however, these methods tend to be costly and can have long-term effects on the local ecosystem. In this study, we produced a biodegradable nanomaterial that slowly releases oxygen into water over time, which may be a cost-effective alternative to water oxygenation systems. Biodegradable silk fibroin, collagen, and whey were fabricated by electrospinning into nanomaterials with encapsulated calcium peroxide. As the nanomaterial slowly dissolves in water the encapsulated peroxide reacts with water releasing oxygen. The timed oxygen release will be dependent on the solubility of the nanomaterial in water; therefore, composite nanomaterials of the three compounds could be used to control the rate of oxygen release. A dissolved oxygen probe was used to monitor oxygen concentrations. Characterization of the nanomaterial will be demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, and infrared, ultraviolet-visible, and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Novel nanomaterials for oxidation of anoxic waters

2019 Spring National Meeting

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