A Novel Taylor Vortex Extractive-Reaction Process for Reducing Organic Wastes Dissolved in Aqueous Streams

65665 Many Department of Energy sites are contaminated by nitrates generated from the manufacture and storage of nuclear and conventional munitions. Site evaluation and nitrate remediation projects would be enhanced by the availability of accurate, real-time nitrate monitoring instrumentation. This project will develop a field deployable nitrate biosensor, based in the enzyme nitrate reductase, for the remote monitoring of subsurface nitrate. The enzyme-based nitrate biosensor will be integrated on a microfluidics platform with solid-state reporting of nitrate concentrations in real-time from remote locations via cell phone and satellites. Phase I will develop an amperometric nitrate electrode that employs a simplified yeast nitrate reductase enzyme in a nitrate biosensor. The enzyme-based nitrate biosensor will be incorporated in a flow injection analysis system coupled with a commercial electrochemical detector. Prototype devices will be performance tested using lab samples, local ground and tap water, and water samples from a DOE nitrate remediation site. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: Because nitrate is a common contaminant in water worldwide, new nitrate analysis tools should have application in water and wastewater treatment plants, watershed and other environmental monitoring, and agriculture