Field Analyzer for Soil and Water Emissions

Gaseous compounds such as H2, N2, O2, CO, NO, CH4, CO2, N2O and H2S are commonly produced and/or consumed by microorganisms during normal metabolic processes. Since the microbial production and consumption of these gaseous compounds via a variety of reductive and oxidative processes are interconnected, the development of a method for the simultaneous quantification of multiple gas species is highly relevant to the studies of microbial physiology and ecology. Despite the high potential utility of gas chromatography (GC) in gas analyses, the configuration of GC systems has not yet been optimized for the rapid and broad-dynamic-range quantification of gaseous microbial metabolites. In addition, it has not been optimized for determination of wide variety of gas species. Finally, the only means of conducting the advanced analysis of complex gas mixtures is to collect a sample and sending the sample to a lab, which takes several hours, if not days, to process. We propose to develop and validate in relevant environment a compact, portable and robust battery-powered analytical instrument for analysis of complex multicomponent gaseous mixtures emitted or extracted from the soil or water with detection limits, precision, and accuracy exceeding the state-of-the- art technologies. The proposed device has the advantage of providing lab-quality analysis instantly in the field. The device is based on principles of analytical gas chromatography (GC) and utilizes a novel highly-integrated multisensory detector. Thanks to the implementation of a multisensory detector, the device is collecting multiple chromatograms in a single run. The outcome of this GC/MEMS hybrid technology, is the ability to monitor a very broad range of analytes from light to heavy on a relatively short and compact GC column in a short period of time of 12.5 min. Also, the device can perform the analysis in a broad range of concentrations from sub-ppb (hydrogen sulfide) or ppm (permanent gases) to 100% for all the analytes of interest. The product will target soil gas monitoring at discrete depths, monitoring of emissions from soil and water, industrial hygiene and environmental safety applications. Our initial effort on developing a product for soil gas monitoring in the field conditions will later be expanded for a broader range of applications involving industrial hygiene monitoring and hazardous leak detection. Despite the strict OSHA and EPA regulations, these problems have never been properly addressed, especially in case of a rapid on-site analysis. We are envisioning this technology implemented in various industries, which require continuous process monitoring, such as the pharmaceutical industry and food industry. Our technology goal is to provide the general public with a push-button analytical instrument. For the last 15-20 years people around the world have been concerned about lead paint in toys, toxic glue in consumer products, allergens, pesticides and many other chemical hazards. As of today, there is no reliable method for general public to evaluate the safety and quality of consumer products in a reliable way. The proposed device will make it possible.