Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: On-Line, Near Real Time Water Security BioMonitoring System
EPA Contract Number: EPD06038Title: On-Line, Near Real Time Water Security BioMonitoring System
Investigators: Fernandez, Salvador M.
Small Business: Ciencia Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2006 through August 31, 2006
Project Amount: $69,995
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:
This project evaluated the feasibility of using an innovative biosensor system, grating coupled surface plasmon resonance (GCSPRI), for near real time, on-line monitoring of water for the presence of pathogens and biotoxins.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Ciencia set up a prototype GCSPRI instrument and established that it would detect viral simulants (MS2 and baculovirus). It was established that a GCSPRI “chip” or test platform would retain 90 percent of its ability to capture pathogens for approximately 14 days. Ciencia designed and built a five-channel flow cell that will extend the monitoring life of a GCSPRI chip to approximately 70 days. It was established that a multistage filtration and elution system, based on Argonide® filter technology, can effectively concentrate virus (or bacterial) particles. (A three-stage system can produce a concentration ratio of 7820X.) A design was presented for an instrument that would combine a small, rugged, inexpensive GCSPRI detector with an automated pathogen concentration module. Options were proposed that would lead to a hand-held, battery-powered instrument for field use, as well as a version that could monitor a body of water continuously and autonomously for a 2-month period.
Conclusions:
It is possible, feasible, and cost-effective to design and build a water-monitoring instrument based on the GCSPRI and filter concentrating technology presented.
Supplemental Keywords:
water supply security, biodefense, homeland defense, environmental water testing, environmental contamination and remediation,environmental monitoring, microorganisms, analytical methods, bacteria, biopollution, community water system, continuous monitoring sensors, drinking water monitoring, small business, SBIR, waterborne pathogens, microbial agents, water, water quality, drinking water, biosensors, bioterrorism, terrorism, homeland security, optical biosensing, water security, biomonitoring, public health, EPA,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, Water, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Monitoring, Drinking Water, Microorganisms, Environmental Engineering, homeland security, pathogens, bacteria, bioterrorism, biopollution, community water system, drinking water monitoring, early warning, analytical methods, continuous monitoring sensorsThe 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.