Portable Microfluidic Platform for Real-Time, High Sensitive Detection and Identification of Trichloroethylene and Other Organochloride Compounds

Due to their extensive use as industrial solvents and metal degreasers, chlorinated organic solvents including trichloroethylene have become persistent contaminants in groundwater and soil at DOE sites and elsewhere. Acute exposures to trichloroethylene can impair the central nervous system, while long-term exposures can induce hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Despite advances to measurement technology at laboratory level, the real-time on-site monitoring technologies for chlorinated organic compounds are still lacking both in terms of selectivity and sensitivity. In collaboration with Texas Tech University, HJ Science & amp; Technology, Inc. proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of an integrated microfluidic automation technology capable of rapid, real-time, and on-site identification and characterization of a variety of chlorinated organic compounds in the subsurface environments such as groundwater and sediments at DOE remediation sites. Compared with traditional laboratory based methods, our portable diagnostic platform for environmental monitoring offers several important advantages including reduction in time and cost, real-time data for better and more timely decision making, and reduction in sample volume requirements. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In addition to the DOE sites, the proposed technology can also be used to perform real-time monitoring of chlorinated organic compounds in drinking water as regulated by the EPA. Beyond government agencies, the proposed technology has immediate applications in private environmental remediation companies and waste management agencies.