The innovation project "Carbon Quantum Dots as Innovative Materials for Detection and Removal of Selected Aquatic Pollutants" by the University of the Philippines Visayas Chemistry students is a finalist in the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards 2022.
The project proposal aims to develop and apply Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) as photocatalysts for the degradation of malachite green, a harmful yet widely-used synthetic dye as an antiparasitic agent in Philippine aquaculture. It also plans to develop CQDs as nanoprobes for the detection of lead (Pb+), a heavy metal contaminant, in an aqueous solution. These specific pollutants affect not only the aquatic environment but also potable water quality.
The project team composed of Steve Turita, Lorraine Ann Mana-ay, and Maridel Somejo, graduating Chemistry students, is one of the eight teams that will be attending a Technical and Business Workshop to prepare for the final presentation. Three outstanding teams will then receive the BPI-DOST Innovation Award and a cash prize of Php100,000 each. The project is under the mentorship of Dr. Concepcion Ponce and Asst. Prof. Arnold Gaje of the UPV Department of Chemistry.
The team will be competing with other finalists from Ateneo de Manila University, Mariano Marcos State University, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippine Normal University, St. Louis University, University of San Carlos, and the University of Santo Tomas.
The BPI–DOST Innovation Awards, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), is a competition that challenges Filipino students of Basic and Applied Sciences to actively participate in resolving the country's most pressing socio-economic problems.
