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

本项目开发了一种微流控预浓缩装置，该装置对提高用于环境监测的重金属传感器的灵敏度至关重要。在远程环境下对水质进行评估需要便携、廉价、与用户无关并能准确测量感兴趣离子的设备。我们最近开发了一种紧凑、低成本的传感系统，可以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低允许限值低一个数量级。因此，迫切需要对环境样品进行再浓缩，以满足准确度要求。在所使用的各种方法中，离子交换是一种有效的自主预浓缩方法。我们的合作伙伴Renix在开发用于环境水处理的离子交换系统方面处于领先地位。他们对开发一种增值产品感兴趣，该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。将结合传感系统对预浓缩模块进行测试，以使检测过程完全自动化，并对其性能进行过长时间的评估。该项目的成果不仅将扩展我们合作伙伴的产品线，还将提供一个宝贵的工具，可能被他们用来优化其环境水处理系统的性能。该项目还将培养学生的跨学科技能，与行业合作伙伴的互动将是对学生的极好培训。

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.