Grantee Research Project Results
Fiber Optic DNAPL Monitor
EPA Contract Number: 68D02020Title: Fiber Optic DNAPL Monitor
Investigators: Carter, Michael T.
Small Business: Eltron Research & Development Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: April 1, 2002 through September 1, 2002
Project Amount: $69,995
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , SBIR - Monitoring , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Fuel hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons comprise large classes of contamination for soils and groundwater. The widespread nature of this problem requires the development of capabilities for continuous, unattended monitoring of contaminant plumes and nearby endangered groundwater supplies. Fiber optic sensors offer a viable route for low-cost, long-term monitoring of soils and groundwater. Eltron Research, Inc., will develop a fiber optic sensor that uses a solvatochromic probe to reversibly detect the presence and nature of contaminants. The Phase I project will address the development of sensor materials and chemistry, neural network-assisted data interpretation, and design of a sensor system that can identify and quantify contaminants. Fiber optic sensors capable of ppb-level detection of hydrocarbons, including fuels and chlorinated hydrocarbons, will find immediate commercial application in monitoring leakage from storage facilities and detection of immediate contamination and health hazards in work areas where these materials are used or stored.Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, fuel hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, monitoring, DNAPL, fiber optic sensor, solvatochromic probe., RFA, Health, Scientific Discipline, PHYSICAL ASPECTS, Water, Waste, Contaminated Sediments, Remediation, Health Risk Assessment, Environmental Chemistry, Risk Assessments, Hazardous Waste, Physical Processes, Ecology and Ecosystems, Hazardous, Environmental Engineering, complex mixtures, sediment treatment, DNAPL monitor, contaminant transport, biodegradation, sediment transport, contaminated sediment, exposure, chemical contaminants, fiber optics, human exposure, urban sediment, co-contaminants, technology transfer, web development, human health risk, technical outreach, community supportProgress 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.