Multiplexed Chemical Sensor for Water Security

The overall goal of this proposed program (through Phase III) is to provide the EPA with a chemical sensor thatn can be multiplerxed into water distributon systems to provide early warning of poisoned water supples. This will be accomplished by developing surface-enhanced Raman (SER) sensors than can be integrated into water supply systems and coupled to a central Paman analyzer via fiber optics. The Phase I program will develop the sensors to selectively detect several chemical agent hydrolyysis products, toxic industrial chemicals, and pesticides at concentrations below 1 milligram per liter in flowing streams in 10 minutes. The Phase II progarm will interface the SER-sensors into optical probes that tie into selected water distributon points, improve sensitivity to 10 microgram per liter in 10 min for 30 analytes, and develop multiplexing software compatible with supervisory control and data acquisition systems. Sensitivity, selectivity, and process capabilities will be evaluated using actual chemical warfare agents at Aberdeen Proving Ground under subcontract.