Nanoparticle uptake by cut flowers: A laboratory demonstration

CHED 83

Kevin M. Metz, kmmetz@wisc.edu, Environmental Chemistry and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1555 Observatory Dr, Madion, WI 53706, Kyle H. Pedersen, Cornerstone Academy, Verona, WI 53392, Robert J. Hamers, rjhamers@wisc.edu, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, and Joel A. Pedersen, joelpedersen@wisc.edu, Department of Soil Science and Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1525 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1299.
Many undergraduate chemistry laboratory curricula in the U.S. are starting to include modules on nanoscale synthesis. A popular example is the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (“Color My Nanoworld,” J. Chem. Ed. 2004, 81, 544A). Currently, only a small number of activities to be completed following nanomaterial synthesis have been published. Here, we describe laboratory activities to examine plant uptake of nanoparticles. In this new activity, cut flowers are used as one model for plant uptake of nanomaterials. The work presented was developed as an outreach project with a middle school aged student. This poster demonstrates that nanomaterials are taken up into flowers in a similar fashion to food dyes. This activity could be utilized in a variety of ways, ranging from a laboratory demonstration to an open ended investigation.
 

General Posters
7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Sunday, August 19, 2007 BCEC -- Exhibit Hall - B2, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, August 20, 2007 BCEC -- Exhibit Hall - B2, Sci-Mix

Division of Chemical Education

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007