Centrifugal microfluidic methods for rapid on-site analysis of soil

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This research revolves around the use of a device designed to rapidly measure contaminants (often toxins) in soil in the field (on-site). The device uses small amounts of chemicals as well as the soil sample. The device uses CD sized disks which house small amounts of test and extraction liquids. The soil sample is inserted into the disk. The sample is spun rapidly, forcing the test and extraction liquids through the sample . This device uses advanced magnetically powered grinders to agitate the soil and extraction fluid very quickly so that contaminants can be extracted. The disk is spun faster and the extracted material is then flushed down into a lower chamber where it is mixed with test chemicals which turn the contaminants a specific color depending on the contaminant. The color is detected by a system very similar to a video camera. The computer takes the video signal, measures the intensity of the color and converts it quickly into a measurement which can be used in several ways. If a site is simply being tested, then the system allows the operator to rapidly map the levels ofcontaminants. If a remediation is being done, then the progress can be carefully monitored to ensure that the site is cleaned properly, but that no additional unnecessary and expensive digging or processing is done.