Development of a microfluidic ion exchange preconcentration module for heavy metals sensing in water

开发用于水中重金属传感的微流控离子交换预富集模块

• 批准号: 521300-2017
• 负责人: Selvaganapathy, Ponnambalam
• 金额: $ 1.82万
• 依托单位: McMaster University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Engage Grants Program
• 财政年份: 2017
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2017-01-01 至 2018-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=640009
• 关键词: Development; microfluidic; ion; exchange; preconcentration

This project develops a microfluidic preconcentration device that is critical to improve the sensitivity of heavymetal sensors which are used for monitoring the environment. Assessment of water quality at a remote settingrequires devices that are portable, inexpensive, user agnostic and accurate in measuring ions of interest. Wehave recently developed a sensing system that is compact, low cost and automates the detection of heavymetals in water. However, the sensitivity of this sensing system is an order of magnitude poorer than theminimum allowable limits of heavy metals in the environment. Therefore, there is a critical need topre-concentrate the environmental sample to meet the accuracy requirement. Among the various methods used,ion exchange is an effective method to preconcentrate in an autonomous manner. Our partner, Renix, is aleader in development of ion exchange systems for applications in environmental water treatment. They areinterested in developing a value added product that could use their expertise in ion exchange to assist with themonitoring and detection of heavy metals. Using our combined expertise in ion exchange as well as inminiaturization, we will develop a preconcentration module that will automate the concentration and release ofthe metal ions from environmental water samples. The preconcentration module will be tested in combinationwith the sensing system to completely automate the detection process and its performance will be assessed overextended duration of time. The outcome of this project will not only extend the product line of our partner, butalso provide a valuable tool that could potentially be used by them to optimize the performance of theirenvironmental water treatment systems. This project will also develop interdisciplinary skills in the studentsand the interaction with industrial partner will be an excellent training for the students.

本计画开发一种微流控预富集装置，对于提高环境监测中重金属感测器的灵敏度至关重要。远程环境下的水质评估需要便携式、廉价、用户不可知且能准确测量感兴趣离子的设备。我们最近开发了一种传感系统，该系统结构紧凑，成本低，可自动检测水中的重金属。然而，这种传感系统的灵敏度比环境中重金属的最小允许限值差一个数量级。因此，迫切需要重新浓缩环境样品以满足准确度要求。在所使用的各种方法中，离子交换是以自主方式预浓缩的有效方法。我们的合作伙伴Renix是环境水处理应用中离子交换系统开发的领导者。他们有兴趣开发一种增值产品，可以利用他们在离子交换方面的专业知识来协助监测和检测重金属。利用我们在离子交换和微型化方面的综合专业知识，我们将开发一种预浓缩模块，该模块将自动浓缩和释放环境水样中的金属离子。预浓缩模块将与传感系统一起进行测试，以完全自动化检测过程，并将评估其性能。该项目的成果不仅将扩展我们合作伙伴的产品线，而且还提供了一个有价值的工具，可以被他们用来优化他们的工业水处理系统的性能。该项目还将培养学生的跨学科技能，与工业合作伙伴的互动将是对学生的良好培训。