PhD. (Chemistry) / This thesis focuses on functionalising the silicone membrane by filling it with synthesised γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles for the purpose of using it as a passive sampling device for monitoring microcystins and cylindrospermopsin in aquatic environments. The identity and purity of the synthesised nanoparticles was verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), surface zeta potential analyser and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET). There was no chemical uptake of microcystin compounds into the silicone membrane without a suspension of maghemite nanoparticles. But, a linear uptake of microcystin compounds was observed into the functionalised silicone membrane passive sampler throughout the exposure period. These findings suggest that the silicone membrane filled with a suspension of synthesised γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles can be an efficient, green and less costly instrument useful in estimating biotoxin concentrations in South African waters and the world at large.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:14526 |
| Date | 09 November 2015 |
| Creators | Nyoni, Hlengilizwe |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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