ELECTROCHEMILUMINESCENT OPTRODE FOR REAL-TIME MONITORING OF POLLUTANTS

This six-month research and development program concerns an innovative low-cost optrode device which promises to be a significant advance in the state of the art of analytical techniques for detecting pollutants in water at part per billion concentrations. The novel instrument is based upon the use of electrochemiluminescence as a sensitive technique for detecting trace levels of organics such as benzene, xylene, and TCE. Due to the unique nature of the sensing element, pollutants will be able to be detected over a large-scale area. The Phase I program concentrates on the development of stable, accurate sensing elements for long-term operation. The device's capabilities will be evaluated under laboratory conditions. A prototype instrument will be designed and built to demonstrate the capabilities of the sensor.