A Test Device for Organic Pollutants at the Low PPB Level

We propose to develop a test device for the measurement of trace organic materials in water. The device is specifically targeted at the anlysis of herbicides and pesticides in water. The target level of detection is the low part per billion concentration range for materials with a molecular weight of about 300. The approach is a modification of a commercially available medical diagnostic test. The modification consists of a proprietary amplification method that will increase sensitivity while not sacrificing the original ease and convenience of use. The test will require no user operations except to place the device in the sample. The readout will show either a positive or negative response where positive represents a level above a set concentration. This will be the EPA limit or others specified by the DoD. The device should be stable for many years at room temperature.