The University of Wisconsin-Madison received a $1.3 million grant for research funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to work on developing nano sensors that can identify pesticides and minimizing detrimental effects. The funding has a focus on safety, and it will look to create nano sensor technology that can detect monitor and break down commonly used pesticides in water sources, according to a July 31 news release.

“Nanotechnology advances are creating a new future for environmental monitoring,” Chris Frey, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development, said in the release. “The cutting-edge nanosensor technology that is being developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will help detect pesticides in water at extremely low levels and mitigate the harmful impacts of these pesticides.”

The EPA granted the funds to researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to create nanosensor technology capable of detecting, monitoring and degrading common pesticides found in water, which can pose risks to human health, the release reported. Detecting pesticides in water sources is crucial to reducing human exposure to harmful environmental pollutants.

Nanomaterials offer unique properties that enable advancements in sensor design, such as portability, rapid signal response times, efficient, affordable and selective detection methods, according to the release.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers will use the funding to create an integrated, portable water treatment technology equipped with sensors that generate the necessary chemicals for treatment. This treatment technology will be deployed in rural communities in Alabama that reportedly use wells, whether they be private or community-based, the release said. The communities of focus have also been affected by neonicotinoids, a commonly used pesticide.

Integrated Portable Raman and Electrochemical NanoSystem (I-PRENS) developed by the team will enable rapid "on-site detection and degradation of neonicotinoids in drinking water supplies," the release stated. The I-PRENS prototype will be used in "Alabama's Black Belt" region for continuous monitoring and remediation of neonicotinoid-impacted water supplies.

The release said this research is focused on assisting low-income, underrepresented rural communities in Alabama.