Ultrasonic Pollution Detector

Luna Innovations will develop a practical compact ultrasonic pollution detection instrument capable of detecting multiple pollutants, paths and monitoring the levels of pollutants such as copper or zinc, for use in environmental monitoring for storm water. Detecting the level of pollutants is an increasing problem as the EPA requires additional monitoring as part of the NPDES permitting process. The device will be based on surface acoustic waves probing affinity layers which can be fabricated for high sensitivity and selectivity to specific chemicals or pollutants. The basis of the device is the small change that occurs in sound velocity in a sensor as the pollutants bind to the polymer layer. This allows a rapid detection which can be sent back to a central monitoring facility. This technology is based on detectors which are used for the detection of biological and chemical hazards.