Field Sensor for Measuring Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Concentrations in Drinking Water

Nantal Inc. is developing a proprietary nanoparticle/fractal based sensor, which will be integrated into two electronic devices that will result in an ultra sensitive optical detector based on the Raman effect. The devices will be capable of detecting chemical contaminants in water at concentrations in the low ppb range. In Phase I the sensor will qualitatively detect total trihalometanes (TTHM) both above and below EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level of 80 ppb. In Phase II the sensor will be scaled-up to production levels and integrated into two newly designed and developed electronic instrument devices that will quantitatively detect TTHM in water in the 20 to 200 ppb range. The devices will include a small handheld, field ready device and a bench top unit for use in a laboratory. The ultra sensitive instruments will provide accurate, precise, and quantitative measurements in real time via a digital readout, require no preparative steps and be simple to use in the hands of non-technical individuals. TTHM results from the reaction of chlorine with organic materials in water. Two of the four organic TTHM agents are classified as possible carcinogens and the group has shown to affect development and reproduction in laboratory animals.