# Activation, Sensing, and Prevention of Formation of EPFRs in Thermal Treatment of Superfund Wastes

> **NIH NIH P42** · LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE · 2020 · $263,714

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract: Project 4
Thermal treatment of hazardous waste including Superfund Site wastes and soils leads to the formation of
environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) associated with emitted particulate matter (PM). Many metals
such as copper, iron, zinc or nickel present in PM form EPFRs with varying yields and different degrees of
stabilization and persistency. Such EPFR entities were shown to be potentially a primary factor causing the
observed cardiopulmonary health effects in exposed populations. Our studies of model systems containing
particles with single metal speciation and associated EPFRs has allowed for significant advancement in
understanding the formation mechanism of EPFRs as well as the respiratory and cardiac health effects
resulting from EPFR exposure. The central hypothesis of Project 4 is that the formation of EPFRs and their
biological activation and their propensity to undergo catalytic cycle, producing •OH, is defined by the
constituents of PM and physico-chemical properties of the media (media pH, ionic strength, and polarity)
accelerate or prevent EPFR activation. Major scientific questions explored by Project 4 include 1) how does the
persistent EPFR in ambient air transform to very active, redox cycling species in biological systems and 2) can
the reactivity of EPFRs be exploited as a means to prevent or control EPFR formation and their detection?
Project 4 takes a systematic approach to address these questions, starting with defining the mechanism by
which EPFRs transition from persistent radicals to reactive species generating ·OH (i.e., activation). A bottom-
up approach is used in the studies; results obtained from laboratory-made samples with simple composition
will be compared and evaluated against more complex combustion-generated EPFRs and, finally, field-
collected EPFRs. Capitalizing on the results from previous studies, we propose a method for EPFR prevention
formation that will be studied in detail. This method is based on the “in situ” deactivation of the metal centers in
thermal treatment (TT) facilities, thus effectively blocking the EPFR emissions. The field sensor development is
based on EPFR propensity to generate hydroxyl radicals and is based on the visible light absorption by
sensory solution. The results of these studies will provide a basis for technology development to control the
emission of EPFRs during TT of Superfund sites materials and to develop devices for simple and fast detection
and measurement of EPFRs in field.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9838940
- **Project number:** 2P42ES013648-08A1
- **Recipient organization:** LOUISIANA STATE UNIV A&M COL BATON ROUGE
- **Principal Investigator:** Slawo M Lomnicki
- **Activity code:** P42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $263,714
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9838940

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9838940, Activation, Sensing, and Prevention of Formation of EPFRs in Thermal Treatment of Superfund Wastes (2P42ES013648-08A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9838940. Licensed CC0.

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