In-Situ Monitoring of Uranyl Ion in Ground Water Using a Colorimetric-Based Sensor: Enabling the Mapping of Uranium Plume Migration of Contaminated DOE Sites

The long-term monitoring of ground-water contamination plumes, for determining the fate of contaminants in the environment, is expensive and labor intensive. Current baseline methods have resulted in monitoring programs that collect less data than required to fully understand the fate and transport mechanisms of the contaminants. In this project, an automated field-deployable monitoring system, using a preconcentrating column sensor, will be used to monitor uranium concentrations. The system will be capable of being deployed and operated in the field for several months, measuring uranium concentrations below the regulatory limit of 30 ppb. The system will provide more frequent data with less reporting delay at a lower cost than the baseline methods. In Phase I, a prototype analytical system will be developed and tested. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The monitoring system is projected to detect uranium below the regulatory limit and will have the necessary attributes for deployment in the field. The system has application at DOE sites with radiological contaminants (e.g., the Hanford Site in Washington). The system will decrease monitoring costs, enhance understanding of the fate of radiologicals in the environment, and ultimately decrease the cost of groundwater remediation