The latest technology used in television manufacturing could also lead the way in mediating water pollution incidents, according to research from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The process of producing heavy-metal quantum dots – the nano-sized fluorescent crystals utilised in the latest generation of television design – has been found useful in capturing heavy-metal ions dissolved in water, Professor Li Liang told America CGTN.
“The most popular quantum dots in the market today are the cadmium-based or zinc-based quantum dots, and of course we also use lead sulfide or mercuric sulfide quantum dots. Quantum dots commonly used now are heavy metal-based,” Liang said.
“For example, we use iron sulfide quantum dots for the production of lead sulfide quantum dots. We add a little lead ion to iron sulfide to convert it to a sulfide lead. The conversion occurs within a few seconds.”
Liang said one of the benefits of applying quantum dots to polluted water is the speed with which the conversion occurs, making the application suitable for emergency responses for pollution mediation.
“This process gives us a great enlightenment, that is the speed of quantum dots to absorb another heavy metal ion is very fast. When dealing with unexpected environmental incidents, we require speed,” he said.
“It is hoped that this adsorbent will hold heavy metals in a short period of time and will not let it flow downstream.”
The application can also help to reduce utilities’ wastewater treatment costs, Liang claimed.
“It can greatly reduce the cost of sewage treatment and greatly reduce the sludge generation. It can be used on a large-scale in emergency discharge of heavy metal sewage,” he said.
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by Water Source
