Grantee Research Project Results

Final Report: Low-Cost Instrument for Long-Term Monitoring of Hazardous Contaminants in Drinking Water

EPA Contract Number: EPD07040
Title: Low-Cost Instrument for Long-Term Monitoring of Hazardous Contaminants in Drinking Water
Investigators: Steinback, Mark
Small Business: Radiation Monitoring Devices Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2007) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Homeland Security , SBIR - Water and Wastewater , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc. (RMD) proposed to develop and build a miniature, permanent magnet-based nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer with unprecedented capabilities including operation without cooling the sensor. The instrument can be lowered into drinking water system components (i.e., water collection, pretreatment, treatment, storage, and distribution systems). NMR uses no harmful radiation, and NMR proton spectra provide continuous and precise monitoring of the concentration of hazardous chemical contaminants such as PCBs, toxic industrial byproducts, including chlorinated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene, and many other hazardous compounds. Metal-based toxins in water can be detected by monitoring the transverse and longitudinal relaxation rates of the water proton signal.

Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):

During Phase I, RMD demonstrated the ability to measure NMR signals caused by water borne toxins in a laboratory setting using a microscopic, solid-state sensor in a revolutionary new miniature NMR test cell. Experiments to test the ability of solid-state sensors to measure the NMR signals were successfully performed. NMR sensitivity was enhanced greatly by using microscopic, solid-state magnetic field sensors rather than conventional wire radiofrequency coils. Line-broadening susceptibility effects were virtually eliminated because the small sensor allowed the magnet bore to be almost completely filled with sample (i.e., water and contaminants). The technology is suitable for the development of a portable NMR system that will be cost effective, require very little power, and be simple to operate.

Conclusions:

The new NMR technology goes well beyond present capabilities because it miniaturizes the test cell and reduces the power requirements to make truly remote test stations possible, which can be connected to the main data center by wireless methods. It is highly portable, fully reversible, and capable of rapid response when toxins are present.

Supplemental Keywords:

SBIR, small business, nuclear magnetic resonance, NMR, portable, water, toxins, terrorism,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Water, Drinking Water, Environmental Monitoring, homeland security, early warning, drinking water contaminants, biological agents of concern, drinking water monitoring