A Miniaturized Flow-Injection System for Unattended Monitoring of Uranium by Electrochemical Detection

40501 Eltron Research, Inc. This project will develop and implement a small, portable monitor for flow injection analysis of uranium in liquid sample streams, (e.g., nuclear plant effluent). The device will be capable of remote, unattended sampling and detection of analyte without intervention by an operator. The detector will be able to monitor uranium concentrations from the sub-nanomolar range. The device will be fabricated by incorporating an electrochemical cell and detection electrodes in a photolithographically defined channel system. An on-board microprocessor will control the cycle of introduction sample stream by flow-injection, preconcentration and detection of uranium and storage and output of results. The device will be compatible with use in a distributed sensor array. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: The proposed device will be able to monitor metal contaminant concentrations continuously to sub-nanomolar levels. It should find commercial application in several areas requiring the sensitive detection of metals, for example, environmental applications such as water monitoring and analysis of effluent from industrial processes.