Location
Innovation Lab Atrium
Start Date
4-3-2025 10:00 AM
End Date
4-3-2025 11:30 AM
Presentation Date
3 April 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am
Biography
My name is Tong Zhou, a third-year graduate student studying in the Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering department. I am working on per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uptake by poplar, tomato, and carrot currently. My research aims to understand transportation mechanisms of PFAS in plants, helping to address one of the most pressing environmental issues of contamination. I'm passionate about promoting environmental science and engineering and finding effective solutions for pollution management. As a graduate student, it is my aspiration to apply scientific research to address pressing environmental challenges in the practical ways.
Meeting Name
2025 - Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Second Department
Chemistry
Document Type
Poster
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
event
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 The Authors, All rights reserved
Included in
Analytical Chemistry Commons, Architectural Engineering Commons, Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons
MALDI-mass spectrometry imaging to investigate distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in exposed poplar tissues
Innovation Lab Atrium
Comments
Advisor: Joel G. (Joel Gerard_ Burken
Abstract:
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization - mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) imaging technique allows direct detection and mapping of a large variety of analytes in complex biological tissues. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of widely used and persistent environmental contaminants with potentially adverse health effects. Here, a novel MALDI-time-of-flight (TOF) MS based analytical method to study the spatial distribution of four PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFBS) accumulated in plant tissues was developed through the optimization of sample preparation methods, matrix selection/application, and MALDI-MS operating parameters. The poplar tree cuttings after the root formation were exposed to 1ppm PFAS dosing solution for 14 days to be taken up by poplar roots and transported through the xylem to stems and leaves. The MALDI-MS images showed the long-chain (C8) PFOS compound accumulated at the root surface due to its hydrophobicity. In contrast, the short-chain (C4) PFBS was transported and detected mainly in the leaves, especially at the tips. Our findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the fate of PFAS in plants and reveal the mechanisms of root uptake, xylem translocation, and accumulation.