Biomedical Research Project 3
Sensors for Water Contaminant Detection and Monitoring
Goal
To develop sensors for 1,4-DX and its co-contaminants with real-time monitoring via a wireless network.
Description
To protect drinking water supplies and human health from contaminants, rapid approaches for the detection and monitoring of these contaminants are crucial. This project will develop and characterize biosensors for 1,4-DX (and co-occurring contaminants TCE, DCA, and TCE) detection and quantification, detect 1,4-DX and co-contaminants via portable vacuum gas chromatography, and demonstrate detection in a distributed wireless sensor network to enable contaminant monitoring. The real-time data of contaminant concentrations provided by the wireless sensor network will be integrated with Project 4 to improve remediation strategies, help inform the biomedical projects (Projects 1,2) on exposures for communities in the vicinity of the Superfund sites, and inform the community (through the Community Engagement Core) on real-time concentrations of the target contaminants in drinking water sources.
Relevance
Current analytical methods to detect 1,4-DX (and its co-occurring contaminants) involve expensive and time-consuming laboratory analyses. Monitoring public exposure necessitates the development of new, rapid, low-cost approaches to measuring water contaminants. Sensor technologies and wireless sensor networks embedded in drinking water systems can provide rapid on-site detection and monitoring of target contaminants, thus enhancing the safety of drinking water and protecting human health.
Members
Project Leader:
Co-Investigators: