Miniaturized Electrochemical Sensor for Cr(VI) in Groundwater and Surface Water

This program will develop a small, portable, low-power electrochemical device to remotely detect and monitor chromium (VI) in aqueous solutions, particularly in suspected contaminated ground and surface waters. Eltron Research, Inc., proposes to develop a renewable sensor integrated into a flow cell that will be designed to specifically detect Cr in aqueous solutions based on a sensitive voltammetric method. This method will allow for the analysis of water samples without significant dilution or reduction in the sensitivity of detection. These miniaturized devices will employ a microfabricated, electrochemical detector integrated into a microfluidic flow cell on a planar substrate. Electrochemical detection of Cr and other metal ions in water is a cost-effective method for long-term, remote monitoring of suspected environmental contamination sites. This approach will find general use in both specific U.S. Environmental Protection Agency applications and in those of the private sector - for example, the monitoring of Cr waste in the plating industry.