Hj Science & Technology, Inc. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase II: Due to their extensive use as industrial solvents and metal degreasers, chlorinated organi

Description

Due to their extensive use as industrial solvents and metal degreasers, chlorinated organic solvents including trichloroethylene have become persistent contaminants in groundwater and soil at DOE sites and elsewhere. Acute exposures to trichloroethylene can impair the central nervous system, while long-term exposures can induce hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. Despite advances to measurement technology at laboratory level, the real-time on-site monitoring technologies for chlorinated organic compounds are still lacking both in terms of selectivity and sensitivity. HJ Science & amp; Technology proposes to build a novel portable microfluidic automation instrument capable of performing automated aqueous organochloride (chlorinated solvent) analysis with high specificity and sensitivity for real-time and on-site environmental monitoring at DoE sites and elsewhere. During the Phase I effort, HJ Science & amp; Technology has established the technical feasibility of performing microfluidic automation of organ chloride speciation. In particular, we have successfully performed on-chip separation and detection of trichloroethylene and dichloromethane in an aqueous mixture. In addition, we have also successfully demonstrated microfluidic automation of sample preparation and analysis capability. The Phase II work plan includes optimizing the microfluidic automation procedure for organochloride conjugation and fluorescence labeling in order to further improve the detection sensitivity. The Phase II work will also include refining the fabrication method for microfluidic chip capable of complete end-to-end automation of sample processing. Finally, the overall goal of the Phase II effort is to design, build, and test a portable organochloride speciation Phase II prototype for real-time and on-site environmental monitoring. Commercial Applications and OtherBenefits: In addition to the DOE sites, the proposed technology can also be used to perform real-time monitoring of chlorinated organic compounds in drinking water as regulated by the EPA. Beyond government agencies, the proposed technology has immediate applications in private environmental remediation companies and waste management agencies.