CONSTELLATION: Portable Reconfigurable Water Tester at Point-of-Need

In this SOCOM 244 SBIR project AccuStrata proposes to develop a portable reconfigurable water tester at the point of need to test drinking water for presence of multiple analytes, packaged in a single kit. The tester will be rugged, capable of testing for relevant targets to include organics, coliforms, waterborne pathogens, arsenic, lead, copper, and cyanide. This modular system will prevent illness in austere environments when extraction, MEDEVAC, CASEVAC, or intervention is delayed. We are relying on existing proven technologies and products that are already validated and commercialized by us or other companies. AccuStrata’s team will develop a multi-analyte drinking water tester for point of need to enhance preventative measures for the modern warfighter. During Phase I the tester prototype will include Photonics testing devices and separate chemical agent kits in a single rugged package, able to produce results in the field in a matter of 1.0-1.5 hours. During Phase II we will combine all optical devices in one and incorporate the testing of arsenic, lead copper and cyanide into the single opto-electronic tester. The new portable water tester at the point of need meeting the following specification and capability: Detects coliform bacteria, pathogens and organic content in drinking water using handheld EEMS device. Detects coliforms, E. coli and Cryptosporidium using handheld fluorometer with enzymatic detection. Detects arsenic, lead, copper, and cyanide with a concentration result per analyte using commercially available chemical test kits. Develop alpha prototype of a handheld Photonics device that incorporates both EEMS and Fluorometry Investigate the capability of AccuStrata’s EEMS/Fluorotek device to detect organic complexes of arsenic, lead copper and cyanides in water The portable tester will have the following characteristics. Be easily reconfigurable to allow testing for additional pathogens and toxins as they may appear in the future Be robust and able to withstand temperature variability (32-120 degrees F); Both battery and 110/220V AC powered; Have small portables Size (12x8x6”); Weight (<10lbs), and Power (SWaP); Has agnostic interface with Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness – Industrial Hygiene (DOEHRS-IH) system of record; Be durable and able to be transported over long distances via military cargo and shipping conditions such as ruck, trucks, and air.