Grantee Research Project Results
Ultra Sensitive Raman Device for Detecting Arsenic in Water Utilizing Fractal/Microcavity Composite
EPA Contract Number: EPD06045Title: Ultra Sensitive Raman Device for Detecting Arsenic in Water Utilizing Fractal/Microcavity Composite
Investigators: Kim, Won-Tae
Small Business: LaSys, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2006 through August 31, 2006
Project Amount: $69,997
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2006) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Drinking Water , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Water and Wastewater
Description:
Using the unique spectral characteristics of its proprietary fractal-microcavity composite, LaSys, Inc., will perform the proof-of-concept research required to develop an ultra-sensitive optical detector of low concentration of arsenic in water based on the Raman effect. The Phase I technical objectives are designed to demonstrate that fractal microcavity composite-surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy is capable of detecting quantitatively arsenic in water at levels that are useful for determining compliance with the upcoming U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 μg/L. The goal at the end of Phase III is to develop a hand-held, easy-to-use instrument for the field detection of arsenic at or below the January 2006 MCL. This ultra sensitive instrument will provide accurate, precise, and quantitative measurement of arsenic in the 1-200 ppb range in real time via a visual digital readout. This commercial, field-portable device of robust construction will be battery powered and weigh approximately 1 pound and be simple to use in the hands of nontechnical individuals. It will provide significant advantages over currently available colorimetric test kits and chemical sensors and be competitively priced.
Supplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, arsenic, drinking water, water quality, fractal microcavity composite, Raman device, surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy, maximum contaminant level, arsenic detection, public health, EPA,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Water, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Wastewater, Environmental Chemistry, Arsenic, Environmental Monitoring, Water Pollutants, Environmental Engineering, monitoring, industrial wastewater, Ramen spectroscopy, drinking water, spectroscopic studies, field analysis, arsenic exposureProgress 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.