In-Situ Electronic Sensors to Determine Analytes in Cold-Region Soils

The primary problem to be addressed by this SBIR request is the need for development of specific ion sensors that can work reliably in sub-freezing environments to allow unmanned dataloggers to accumulate data on a down-loaded or real-time basis. This would involve re-designing the reference side of the electrode (half-cell) to be rugged enough to survive the conditions imposed upon it while also determining whether the changes would compromise with several variables would also require electronic isolation techniques to prevent problems associated with ground-loops that could prove to be substantial in colder soils and groundwater of very low conductivity. Another problem that presents itself is the ability to miniaturize the sensor/transmitter in such a manner as to enable insertion into very small wells which would decrease the cost of application. Surface mount electronics will be used for this purpose.