High Performance RF Sensor for In-situ Determination of Aquatic Phosphorus

Sensors for aquatic phosphorus have been widely used in monitoring nutrient levels in water bodies to prevent eutrophication and preserve aquatic diversity. However, the key challenge facing current aquatic phosphorus sensing technologies is lack of in-situ determination capability and poor long-term stability. These methods either require addition of reagent such as ascorbic acid to induce colorimetric change upon phosphate or need frequent calibration/replacement work caused by issue of ion leakage in electrochemistry. Thus, none of current methods have so far shown to be suitable to deploy in remote environments for in-situ monitoring aquatic phosphorus. To address these challenges, 2Witech Solutions LLC (2Witech) proposes a new generation of nanosensor based on radio frequency (RF) detection technology for in-situ monitoring of aquatic phosphorus. The construction of the proposed sensor is based on a designed single or multi band antenna coupled with interdigital electrodes that are modified with molecularly-imprinted single layer graphene sheet. Such innovative design combines selectivity of molecularly-imprinting and sensitivity of single layer graphene and imparts reagent-free and minimal calibration capability from RF detection method. In Phase I program, RF nanosensor based on single or multi band antenna will be developed. Such development will involve steps of molecularly-imprinting single layer graphene, combining with Rogers substrate as testing fixture, determination of phosphate-sensitive frequencies, and design and simulation of single or multi band antenna. This technology will have significant positive impact on fields related to environmental protection and human health. We anticipate broad use in fields of aquatic phosphorus determination such as monitoring enrichment process of water bodies, managing plant growth, determining water quality, and clinical diagnosis of various disorders and diseases like hyperparathyroidism, hypertension, vitamin D deficiency, mineral and bone disorder, Franconia syndrome and kidney failure. Our approach will provide a direct means of controlling corrective actions taken to control the levels of aquatic phosphorus that could affect environment and human health.