Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
This SBIR Phase I will establish the technical and commercial feasibility of a low-cost 3D printed colorimeter and develop safer, greener methods for the determination of manganese ion (Mn2+), iron ion (Fe2+), and free available chlorine (FAC) to improve drinking water treatment and quality for rural communities across the United States. Adoption of the colorimeter and the improved detection methods will provide rural water supply operators and superintendents safer and more economical contaminant monitoring methods, cost savings from optimization of contaminant removal treatment processes, less environmental impacts from using ecofriendly test methods, and better assurance of treated water meeting the regulatory guidelines.The project will focus optimizing our 3D printed colorimeter prototype and developing proprietary greener testing methods for Fe2+, Mn2+, and FAC using sustainable and safer alternatives. To improve method accuracy, precision, and method detection limit (MDL), the system will leverage improved data processing through a proprietary algorithm that utilizes multi-variable regression from multi-channel sensors. To demonstrate technical feasibility, alpha testing will be conducted in the field with real-world samples and the data will be compiled and presented in a final report. The proposed technology is envisioned to have a significant impact as a new platform for affordable, green detection capabilities for monitoring contaminants and chemicals of concern in drinking water, wastewater, and natural waters.
Animal Health Component
25%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
0%
Applied
25%
Developmental
75%
Goals / Objectives
This Phase I effort will focus on (i) developing an affordable 3D printed multi-spectral colorimeter and ii) proprietary greener, safer rural-targeted colorimetric testing methods. The lower sample analysis cost and green detection methods will enable the expansion of the colorimeters market to private well owners and other water sector stakeholders. As more detection methods are developed, the overarching objective will be to enable more water quality monitoring for the benefit of both the water providers and the water users.Technical ObjectivesFor widespread adoption, specifically by rural utilities, the proposed colorimeter needs to meet several design criteria. These criteria include: (i) the colorimeter should be able to operate for extended periods on commercially available DC batteries or rechargeable batteries; (ii) it should have selectivity, precision, and accuracy in the concentration range expected in drinking water; (iii) it should be simple enough to use with a high school education; and (iv) the colorimeter and reagent(s) used should be robust enough for prolonged storage and use in rural WTPs. This project will result in a colorimeter and associated testing methods that meet these design criteria.The specific technical objectives are:Development and optimization of the colorimeterDevelopment of ecofriendly detection methods for Fe2+, Mn2+, and FACPerform method validation studiesFinal Report to USDA NIFA
Project Methods
The development and optimization of the colorimeter and green chemical analysis methods for Mn (II), Fe (II), and FAC will be conducted using classicalanalytical chemistry techniques. This includessystematic optimization of individual parameters to determine the conditions of analysis that produce to best method detection limit (MDL), accuracy, and precision for each analyte. The MDL is determined as the lowest concentration distinguishable from noise through the preparation and analysis of five calibration standards and a check standard analyzed seven consecutive times. The reported check standard concentration is calculated using the calibration curve and the standard deviation of the check standard concentration is multiplied by the appropriate Student t-value for (n-1) degrees of freedom. The accuracy is estimated as mean % recovery of the reported check standard concentration. The precision is estimated as percent relative standard deviation of hte reported check standard concentration.Interference studies will be performed by producing a calibration curve and then analyzing expected interferences using the calibration curve for each analyte. The response of the interferences in the calibration curve provide an estimate of selectivity.The performance of the analytical methods will be evaluated using the analytical bias. The analytical bias is determined as the "experimental value minus the true value." It is important to note that the true value is assumed to be a higher order method, such as an ICP-MS. However, the true value is subject to sampling handling errors and bias just as the experimental value is.Feasibility of the colorimeter will be evaluated based on real-world testing using samples from water treatment plants in the Tennessee region. Evaluation of feasibility of the colorimeter will be based on acceptable MDL, accuracy, and precision values for each analyte that are at concentrations related to USEPA regulations(e.g. 0.2 mg/L - 2 mg/L for FAC).