tricloSENSE - Fluorescent sensor for triclosan and analogous chemical pollutants in water bodies

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The release of environmental pollutants into water bodies present both a threat to aquatic life and to human health. Regular and widespread water pollution monitoring is needed for the early identification of pollution events, but existing laboratory-based detection technologies do not serve this need. The tricloSENSE project will develop optical sensors for trace detection in water bodies of the endocrine disruptors including triclosan, suitable for in-situ deployment and monitoring. Triclosan has been recognized as a persistent environmental pollutant which enters the environment from its widespread use as an antiseptic, preservative and disinfectant in healthcare and consumer products. It affects the endocrine system, immune system and has acute toxic effects on aquatic life. tricloSENSE will develop the first selective thin film optical sensors for triclosan and related phenol-containing endocrine disrupting pollutants. Novel fluorescent molecules will be synthesized to interact with the target analyte and produce detectable fluorescent signals. These molecules will be incorporated into thin films hosts nano-engineered to control the photophysical interactions, and hence maximise the selective detection of target pollutants. The optimised sensors will be evaluated in real water samples using a portable optoelectronic detection system. The project thereby aims to advance chemical sensing technology to enable monitoring, control, and removal of triclosan and related pollutants from effluents before entering waterbodies or reachingthe ground water.