Development of a pH adjustment system for monitoring genotoxic compounds in drinking water

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Environmental Bio-Detection Products Inc. (EBPI) is a Mississauga-based biotechnology company specializing in the development and manufacture of biological testing kits for a variety of cellular metabolism byproducts. Their tests can detect specific toxic responses to pure chemicals, or complex compound mixtures, in environmental samples. EBPI currently sells their products to academic institutions, government regulators and private industry in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. This The objective of this collaboration with Seneca will design, build and test a functional prototype of a "turn-key" system to adjust pH prior to sample loading onto filter paper (SPE filters), which functions in a high water flow, rather than static, environment. Professor Kyle Valdock will lead the project, supported by a student Research Assistant (RA) from Seneca's School of Electronics, Mechanical and Engineering Technologies (SEMET). The RA will apply theoretical knowledge and skills, while developing hands on experience in the development and optimization of process control for water treatment. The benefit of a complete system for high-flow water testing will allow for a better picture of complete water samples as the system will allow collection over a period of time (up to 48 hours) versus current "grab sample" techniques which only provide a snapshot. If successful, the system resulting from this research project will increase export sales from Canada, improve Canada's reputation in the drinking water technology field and provide jobs in southern Ontario to manufacture current products and develop future products that use this technology.