Multi-Analyte Sensor for Detecting Trace Halogenated Organic Contaminants

The Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Biological and Environmental Research (BER) is seeking innovative sensors for real-time and in-situ detection of subsurface chlorinated organic contaminants (COCs) in groundwater at contaminated DOE sites. The current methods require expensive equipment, trained technicians, and long turnaround times that delay decision making. Therefore, the environmental project-related community needs a user-friendly, low-cost and highly reliable multi-analyate sensor for in situ analysis of COCs. During the proposed project, Innosense LLC (ISL) will establish the feasibility of an optical fiber- based multi-analyte sensor (HaloRead™). Its performance attributes will include high selectivity, sensitivity (≤ 5 ppb) allowing in-situ detection of COCs in subsurface groundwater. Engineering of the readout hardware will be accomplished using commercial-off-the-shelf components. The sensing chemistry will be based on patented technology involving solid phase pyridines, which do not have the drawbacks of liquid pyridine. In Phase I, ISL will design and fabricate a HaloRead working model. To establish feasibility, we will characterize sensitivity, accuracy, response time and reliability for multi-analyte sensor. In Phase II we will optimize the sensor performance, construct a prototype and field-test the prototype in a DOE facility. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: InnoSense LLC’s HaloRead sensor will help the DOE achieve its goals for cost-effective characterization involving chemical speciation or transport of COCs at contaminated sites. This project would support remediation activities at the contaminated sites. ISL has received support letter from an industrial partner for commercializing the HaloRead device.