Grantee Research Project Results
Measurement of Biological Contamination of Water
EPA Contract Number: 68D70018Title: Measurement of Biological Contamination of Water
Investigators: Tekula, M.
Small Business: Maine Research and Technology Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: September 1, 1997 through March 1, 1998
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (1997) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , SBIR - Monitoring , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) can sometimes be used as a diagnostic device in biology and medicine. In general, LIF has difficulties in relating the fluorescence spectra to the concentration of the emitters within the tissue, in identifying different species, and in the possibility of destroying the molecules being probed if the wrong excitation wavelength is chosen. Many of the problems associated with fluorescence can be eliminated by the use of Raman scattering. Raman techniques allow the measurement of multiple species even in aqueous solutions (not accessible by infrared methods because of water absorption). However, spontaneous Raman techniques give very weak signals. Signal enhancement is possible by utilizing resonance Raman techniques. Both of these methods still suffer from the fact that spatial and, to some extent, temporal information is lost.This Phase I project will investigate a noninvasive, real-time, high resolution device for the detection of lifeforms such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia in situ in water. It also can be used to identify viable cysts and oocysts. This unique device is based on a variation of Raman scattering and can simultaneously measure the concentrations and temporal evolution of several different molecular species. Therefore, the technology may have applications in the medical field (virus and cholesterol measurements), in drug manufacturing and monitoring, and blood gas analysis. Furthermore, it may find applications in environment-related monitoring and analysis.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, monitoring, engineering, chemistry., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Monitoring/Modeling, Biochemistry, Environmental Monitoring, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Drinking Water, Environmental Engineering, laser induced fluoresence, cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, contaminants, Giardia cysts, Raman scattering, cryptosporidium , microbial risk management, in situ chemical profiles, Giardia, water contaminants, drinking water contaminantsProgress and Final Reports:
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.