Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: The NODE biosensor: real-time contaminant detection in stormwater
EPA Contract Number: 68HERD19C0025Title: The NODE biosensor: real-time contaminant detection in stormwater
Investigators: Altizer, Megan
Small Business: Enoveo USA, LLC.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: May 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019
Project Amount: $100,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2019) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Wastewater, Stormwater, and Water Reuse , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR): Phase 1 (2019)
Description:
Stormwater management is a growing challenge across the country. Water quality standards are becoming increasingly strict as new regulations are enacted. Meanwhile, changing land use and greater urbanization make meeting these standards even more difficult. Currently, stormwater samples are collected in the field and analyzed in the lab, a process which is time-consuming, costly, delayed and provides poor data resolution. Alternatively, in situ biosensors can offer real-time, online, continuous monitoring of stormwater quality by measuring water quality in a less labor-intensive, more efficient, and sustainable manner. These sensors have been pilot-scale tested in wastewater and groundwater applications. The objective of this Phase I grant was to further develop the current design for stormwater applications, validate it in a real environment, and explore its sensitivity to a broader range of contaminants.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Phase I efforts show that the modified biosensor can support an active biofilm in real world applications for at least three months. This sensor proved robust and able to withstand difficult and dynamic environmental changes associated with the rainy season, while maintaining responsiveness to flow and water quality fluctuations. Further tests showed responsiveness to a wider variety of contaminants of concern, including eutrophication-associated nutrients.
Conclusions:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.