Portable Sensor for Detection of Microorganisms in Groundwater - Topic 20b

Measurement and monitoring of subsurface microbial activity plays an important role in studying the extent of heavy metal, radionuclide, and industrial chemical contamination at the Department of Energy (DOE) sites and their impact on the surrounding environment. Development of field-deployable microbial monitoring systems is critical in achieving long-term success for environmental restoration efforts. The proposed program will develop a field portable instrument that would enable rapid detection and continuous monitoring of select microorganisms in groundwater and soil samples. This electrochemical sensor instrument employs novel sample processing techniques and utilizes reusable electrodes and highly sensitive detection algorithms to allow for low level detection limits specific to the presence of targeted nucleic acid sequences judiciously selected from genes and microorganisms that have key roles in environmental restoration and bioremediation The feasibility of Giners electrochemical hybridization sensing approach has been demonstrated for detection of model Geobacter gene sequences in water and groundwater. The Phase I program achieved microbial level of detection (LOD) values that are three orders of magnitude lower than the average measured quantity of Geobacter population. The Phase II program will feature detection of additional microorganisms relevant to bioremediation applications, design and fabrication of a field prototype instrument, and an extensive environmental water and soil testing using field samples. Giner will advance its portable microbial sensor technology by expanding the portfolio of microorganisms, refinement of its sensing algorithms, and development of field-friendly sample treatment protocols. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits The highest initial impact of the proposed sensor technology would be for enabling sustainable bioremediation technologies to ensure the successful implementation of microbial communities in contaminated sites such as Superfund sites, wetlands, and coastal environments. Successful development of this technology will enable more effective management of environment to provide wide-spread application of bioremediation technologies and to help maintain biodiversity in ecosystem. Other versions of the proposed system could be used to monitor bacterial contamination of food, drinking water, and household or clinical surfaces to provide fast and accurate screening of microorganisms at low cost.